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THE NEW CONVERT 



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THE 

New Convert 



A Drama in Four A Sis 
by Sergei Stepniak t - 



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Translated from the Russian 
by Thomas B. Eyges 




boston 
The Stratford Co., Publishers 



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Copyright, 1917, by The Stratford Co., Publishers 



All Rights Reserved 



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The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass. 

FEB 271917 
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SERGEI STEPNIAK 

BY 

Prince Peter Kropotkin 

Sergei Stepniak occupies one of the most prominent 
places among the heroes that the Russian Revolution- 
ary movement has produced. 

He was only 20 years old when he resigned from 
his position as an artillery officer in the Russian army. 
At that time he already took an active part in the 
Tchaikof sky group ; and there I met him for the first 
time in 1872, together with Sophia Perofskaya and 
others who have since then either been executed or have 
died in the prisons or in exile. At that time Stepniak 
was already well loved by everybody in the group for 
his bravery and his fidelity to the cause, as well as for 
his wonderfully simple and clean character. 

He was one of the pioneers who decided to "go to 
the people." Disguised as a laborer, he mingled 
among the peasants in the villages. At the beginning 
of the so-called "terrorist" movement he was one of its 
pioneers and heroes. 

His English essays about Russia — and there are 
seven volumes of them — are full of intense love for 
the peasantry and hatred for its oppressors. His 
"Underground Russia", a book describing the revolu- 
tionary propaganda amongst the Russian peasants, 
made a great impression in the world of literature. 
He was an ardent believer in the revolutionary move- 
ment among the masses; and while the submissive 



vi SERGEI STEPNIAK 

servility of the people at times drove him to despair, 
he would leap for joy at the news of a revolt. He also 
believed in the necessity of a movement amongst the 
intelligent classes, which should go hand in hand with 
the people's movement. To accomplish this was his 
main object. At the uprising in the Balkans and the 
rebellion at Benevente, Italy, he joined the rebels with 
gun in hand. Only a few days before his death, he 
was ready to join the Armenian uprising. He hated 
oppression in any of its forms, — be it in the life of a 
nation or family or party. 

In England his writings had a great influence. He 
succeeded in creating a deep sympathy for the Rus- 
sian revolutionist, and for the Russian woman and 
peasant. His life companion, who for many years 
shared with him all his sufferings, knew better than 
anyone else that he lived for his convictions only. 
Just before his death, he said: "To live for the cause 
is harder than to die for it." 

He was a stranger to the feeling of fear; it was as 
foreign to him as colors are to a person born blind. 
He was ready to risk his life every moment. 

Egotism as well as narrow partisanship was un- 
known to him; he believed that in a movement to de- 
feat oppression there are always parties and factions 
with differences of opinion, — "but let every party do 
its share in the work for the common good, the best 
it knows how" — he used to say — "and the result will 
be much greater for the cause, than the centralized 
sheep-like unity that paralyzes the initiative powers 
of others through its own strict orders." He also could 
not understand why there should be strife among the 



SERGEI STEPNIAK vii 

various parties, since all are involved in the struggle 
against a common enemy. 

This was the result of his inborn instinct for justice. 
I have known but few people who have possessed this 
instinct developed to such a degree. He could make a 
mistake when all the circumstances of an act were not 
known to him ; but just as soon as he knew the motives 
of this or that act, he understood it and realized it in 
all its noble beauty. In such cases he was as emotional 
as the greatest poets are. 

When he heard someone relating about an injustice, 
he was at once ready to annihilate the oppressor. I 
shall never forget the expression of his face, when I 
related to him the treatment our comrades had re- 
ceived in France and Italy. And yet he was kindness 
personified. 

Whoever knew him loved him. 

The children in Russia worshipped him. He spent 
some of the most enjoyable moments of his life in 
Arnerica where, surrounded by bright black faces, he 
taught in a negro school. 

Sergei Stepniak was killed by a train, about three- 
hundred feet away from his house. He left his house 
about 10.30 in the morning, in order to visit a gather- 
ing of friends and comrades in Shepherd's Bush 
(London). A few bricklayers who knew him well 
saw him go by. He was absorbed in a book, which he 
read while walking. He had to cross a single track 
of a branch line, between Hammersmith and South 
Acton. The place was very dangerous; one has to 
cross the track hastily and very carefully. At first 
glance one would think he could make it in a single 



viii SERGEI STEPNIAK 

leap, but in reality one has to make about seven steps 
across the track, in order to be out of danger. The 
sharp turn prevents the pedestrian from noticing the 
oncoming of a train. When the engineer saw Stepniak 
crossing the track, he sounded the whistle; but before 
Stepniak had time to turn his head, the train knocked 
him down, killing him instantly. One of the brick- 
layers who saw the accident ran to Stepniak's house 
and informed his wife of the sad news. 

The following Saturday the cremation of his body 
took place. Hundreds of his friends came to his house 
and walked to the Ravenscourt Park cemetery. At 
the Waterloo station, from where the train leaves for 
Wauking, thousands of workingmen assembled with 
their banners, representing the societies and Labor 
Unions of various parts of London. Opposite the 
station, in a downpour of rain, speeches were held by 
English, Russian, Italian, German and Armenian 
friends, who were often interrupted by the loud sobs 
of the assembled. The manifestation was both magni- 
ficent and heart-breaking. 

I have seen funerals large in numbers, but I have 
never seen a funeral with so much deep grief and 
sorrow as was manifested by the mourners at the 
funeral of Sergei Stepniak. 

When the terrible accident happened, he was only 
43 years of age, full of strength and courage, full of 
hope and belief in the future. On the very day of 
the accident his long wished-for desire was to be ac- 
complished, a desire to establish a Review, which 
should be a literary meeting place for all Russian 
Revolutionists. He had a complete program article, 



SERGEI STEPNIAK 



is 



which was to go to press that day. Hundreds of letters 
and telegrams received at his funeral, attested to his 
value to the Russian Revolutionary movement. He 
was its central figure. 

The time will come, when history will tell what 
Sergei Stepniak did for the Revolutionary movement 
in Russia! 



CHARACTERS 



MOORINOV — Pavel Michailovitch, a man of wealth 

MOORINOVA ! — Maria Ivanovna, his wife 

KATE, their daughter 

COUNT MENTIROV, prime minister 

ALEXANDER PETROVICH VOLKOV, a young 
military officer (nephew of Mentirov) 

NICOLAI NOROV, a young man, a neighbor of 
Moorinov 

GORLO V — Dimitry Stepanovitch, a government clerk 

GORLOVA — Feodora Ivanovna, his wife, sister to 
Mrs. Moorinova 

MASHA, a house maid 

AKULINA, a servant 

Lackeys, musicians, etc. 



ACT ONE 

Scene : A large room richly furnished. A sofa on 
the left. Draperies over the windows. On the right, 
a chiffonier, and near it a stand with flower pots. A 
table with a variety of souvenirs and small bric-a-brac. 
In the center of the table a large yellow vase with 
dark figures. 

On the sofa, Moorinov is sitting with a newspaper 
in his hand. He is a strong, well-built man, with dark 
hair and a slightly grayish beard. 

Moorinova, his wife, is tidying up the room. Two 
lackeys stand near the door awaiting her orders 
in silence. 

Moorinova 

Pull those curtains down ! Why did you leave them 
up? One can see through. (The lackeys fix the cur- 
tains.) Why? What are these three candles for? It 
looks as if someone is dead here. . . . Someone might 

come in later and think Well? Bring another 

candle. 

Lackey 
Yes, ma'am. 

Moorinova 

Put the vase in the corner! Someone is liable to 
push it off the table. It cost more than a thousand. 

The lackeys remove the vase and leave the room. 



14 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Well, there you have it. A house full of servants 
and I have to take care of them all. (Looking at her 
husband.) Other mothers have help from their big 
daughters, but I have mostly trouble. 

Moorinov, lifting his head from the paper. 
Well, I think you have little trouble from Kate. 

Moorinova 

Yes, yes, you are always taking her part. I mustn't 
say a word about her, though I'm her mother. 

Moorinov 

But what's the use of wasting words even if you are 
her mother? 

Moorinova 

Oh, well, what's the use of talking? I am not an 
educated lady, and of course it is not my fault that my 
father did not spend a fortune for my sake just as you 
are doing for Kate. And he loved me no less than 
you love her. That's just why I obeyed him, but you 
have brought her up as a student and now you can 
blame yourself for it. 

Moorinov 

Blame myself? Why? What for? I don't see any 
reason for it. 

Moorinova 
I think there is. 



THE NEW CONVERT 15 

Moorinov, putting the paper on one side. 
Why, did you speak to her? 

Moorinova, timidly, uncertain. 
Yes, I did. 

MOORINOV 

Well, and what? 

Moorinova 

Nothing, just as usual. Of course, she got angry. 
" I'm tired of you people," she said, — " with your 
marriage propositions. — Why " — said she, — " I hardly 
have time to refuse one before I have another." 

Moorinov 

And yet she is not satisfied. (Dignified.) Well, 
well, I should think she ought to be happy with such 
a proposition, and he such an exceptionally fine fellow. 

Moorinova 
It's just what I told her. 

Moorinov 
And she? 

Moorinova 

"I don't want it! I don't want it! I don't care 
about his title. I don't want him nor his titles !" — she 
kept on — " Besides, we can never agree in our ideas." 



16 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! If this isn't the limit. What has e 
got to do with his ideas? 

Moorinova 

It's just what I told her. How, says I — did I get 
married to your papa, says I — Why, until the wed 
ding day I didn't even see him. Not only his ideas, 
says I — but even his features were unknown to me, 
and yet, thank God, says I, . . . Perhaps, if I had 
seen him, I would not have married him. (Smiling.) 
When he came to the wedding, says I — a friend of 
his — a young man, a very handsome fellow, came 
with him and my heart went out to him. Which one 
is it? Mother dear in Heaven and God almighty 
above — I prayed in silence — just make that good 
looking fellow to be my husband. Oh Lord! you are 
able to do everything. . . . But it did not turn out the 
way I wanted, it was the other one that became my 
husband, it was your papa. Well, said I — that good- 
looking fellow turned out to be a crook, but your papa, 
said I — although he wasn't very good-looking, yet 
turned out to be a fine man, and we've lived together 
very happily all these years. And therefore — said 
I — parents always know how to make a girl happy. 
Don't you see, said I — a girl is foolish and she doesn't 
understand anything. 

Moorinov 

I suppose she did not agree with you, did she? 

Moorinova 

No, indeed she did not. " Times are not the same 
now as they use to be," she said — " we have our own 
ideas nowadays." 






THE NEW CONVERT 17 

MOORINOV 

Yes, that is true, times are different now, and they 
are hard indeed. (Thoughtfully.) Nonsense! All 
their ideas, what can all those ideas be that a girl has ? 
Nonsense. (Seating himself nearer to her, confiden- 
tially.) Listen, do you think she has someone on her 
mind? Did you notice anything? You know a girl's 
heart is like an empty keg, you can pour into it any- 
thing you wish, but if it is full — it is all over. . . . 
Well, have you noticed anything? 

Moorinova, aroused. 
Why, couldn't I see it? I am her mother! 

Moorinov 
That's it ! That's just why 



MOORINOVA 

Don't frighten me! Say it openly, whom are you 
suspecting? 

Moorinov 

Well, now — what about our neighbor Norov, didn't 
you notice anything? He is educated and so is Kate. 
He comes here pretty frequently of late. It doesn't 
take long, you know! . . . 

Moorinova, laughing aloud. 

You've guessed it all right. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Oh what 
a shot! 



18 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Now, come, come, answer my questions. What are 
you giggling about? 

MOORINOVA 

Don't get angry. You are a smart man, I know you 
are, but this time you made a bad shot. Yes sir ! a bad 
shot. You didn't guess this time. Why in the name of 
Heaven, should it be Norov? He doesn't even speak 
to her. I think he doesn't know how. One day I sat in 
the other room and the door was open. They didn't 
know I was listening. Now what do you think he was 
talking about to her? About the people and how the 
people are suffering. 



About the people? and what else? 

Moorinova 

Oh, I didn't listen any longer. I got sleepy from his 
talk. I could see he was a foolish man. He actually 
called the people brothers ! Well, that wasn't so bad ; 
in the Bible it says the same, and there is nothing to 
it any way. But when he says that rich people owe a 
debt to the poor people, well, although I am not edu- 
cated yet I can see that it is foolish. How can a rich 
man owe anything to a poor man, if the poor man 
hasn't got a cent to his name? 

Moorinov 

Oh, you stupid woman! Why didn't you let me 
know about this immediately? 



THE NEW CONVERT 19 



MOORINOVA 

Well, I declare! What could you expect! Do you 
think I would bother you with such nonsense? Just 
as if you had nothing else to bother about. 

Moorinov 

Why, don't you know, that with those very words 
he poured poison into her heart and soul? Why, this 
is just what they call Nihilism, through which so many 
thousands of people have perished. 

Moorinova 

Oh my God! Why, it's those who blow up and 
shoot. 

Moorinov 

There are some that do it. They end up by shoot- 
ing. At first they talk about pity " for the people." 
Then they blow up and shoot so that the people should 
become free from the Czar, they say — "to abolish 
the cruel government and relieve the people from their 
suffering." 

Moorinova 

Oh, that rascal! I'll take a broom and just chase 
him out of my house. My daughter, my darling little 
girl! Why! Oh dear, oh dear! I must, I must run 
and 

Moorinov 

Here, wait! You'll spoil it all, don't mix in. You 
send me Kate, I'll talk to her, perhaps it is not too 
late yet, perhaps it is not gone too far. 



20 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

I'm going right now ! I'm going 

Goes out. 

Moorinov, alone. 

Yes, that's what those ideas mean. . . . This is 
horrible! Like a thief he stole into her soul and 
robbed me of my pride and hope! Oh, it is utterly 
impossible, impossible! I am as timid as a woman. 
Why, it is only about half a year since he first en- 
tered my house. Is it possible that what I planted all 
these years and taken care of, can be utterly destroyed 
with the first touch of that stranger? No! I shall 
never believe it ! Well, I guess I will not anger Kate 
with too many questions. I'll just watch her, that's 
all. Just watch her. That's what's necessary. Oh 
dear ! Times are pretty hard now. Hard indeed ! 

Enter Kate. 

Kate 

Hello papa! Did you call me? Mama came and 
told me you wanted me and she said it so seriously 
that it frightened me. 

Moorinov 

You are a Cossack-girl — You are not so easily 
scared. What have you done today? (Comes near 
her.) But you are all wet and your hair is all loose. 

Kate 
I have been rowing and got a little damp. 



THE NEW CONVERT 21 

Moorinov, with caution. 
And in such weather? 

Kate 

Oh papa, how beautiful it is on the Neva ! I turned 
around the island and almost unnoticed I reached the 
sea. How sweet it is, how pleasant to approach and 
cut the waves ! Here it throws you up and then down 
again, but you hold on and you keep going forward 
and forward — it seems as if the Neva is angry at you, 
because it cannot do with you as she would like to. 
She tries to upset your boat and throws water at you. 
Lots of birds are whirling over your head in groups 
and at that moment I feel as if I were a wild bird over 
the sea. You know, papa dear, how I would like to be 
a bird ! — but not a canary nor a nightingale — they 
are kept in cages. I'd like to be a free sea bird. The 
one that can fight the waves and is not afraid of 
the storm. 

She throws off her light cape and fixes her hair. 

Moorinov 

Well, Kate, you are awfully careless in your ways! 
It doesn't take long for an accident to happen. I sup- 
pose you didn't think for the moment what it would 
mean to me should anything happen to you? 

Kate, throws her arms around his neck. 

Papa, my darling papa ! You'll pardon me but you 
need not worry about me — nothing can happen to 
me. I am like the enchanted sword that neither breaks 
nor melts, and that is just why I am so happy. 



22 THE NEW CONVERT 

Moorinov, very kindly, smoothing her hair. 

And how long do you intend to carry on like this — 
thoughtless and careless? Don't you ever think that 
it cannot always go on this way ? It may be all right as 
long as mama and I are alive, but when we are gone — 
what then? 

Kate 

Oh, papa, why think of this? I never have such 
thoughts. 

Moorinov 

That's just it! You think it is always going to be 
this way. Years go by, and oh how fast they do go, 
you hardly have time to look around. Now is the time 
to prepare your future, and if you don't do it, we have 
to do it for you. 

Kate 

Ha, ha, ha, oh, ha, ha, ha! I'll bet you, you are 
going to talk about Volkov to me now. Did I guess? 
Honestly, papa, I am tired of this. How many have I 
already refused, but still you and mama insist just 
the same and you keep bringing me those fellows. It 
looks as if you are trying to dig up a hidden treasure 
for me. 

Moorinov 

Those hidden treasures are only in fairy tales, my 
child, but a man like Volkov you cannot always get. 
Life — my dear daughter — is a very serious affair 
and I would like to have an earnest talk with you. 



THE NEW CONVERT 23 

Kate 

Don't, don't! I know all about it! I know every- 
thing you are going to tell me. First, he is a 
nephew of Count Mentirov, isn't it so? (Moorinov 
nods his head.) Secondly, — if I marry him I shall 
become the wife of a count's nephew. Thirdly, — you 
would be the father of the daughter who is the wife 
of a count's nephew, and Count Mentirov at that. — 
Isn't it so ? I don't see anything else. 

Moorinov, smiling. 

It is of no use getting angry with you. You are a 
child yet and you don't realize what rank means in 
life. Yet this isn't all. He loves you Kate, he loves 
you dearly. He'll do anything for your happiness. 
Now just think and be serious, if only for one minute. 

Kate 

Very well papa, I'll be serious. You say he loves 
me, but it seems to me he loves your money more than 
he loves me. He says I could do anything I want to 
with him. Well, I don't like this kind of love. I have 
no faith in it. It doesn't seem to be real love. At 
times I can't bear him at all. I am afraid of him at 
times, and at times I feel as if I'd like to tease him. 
Sometimes it looks to me as if he hates me. We are 
total strangers, and we have absolutely nothing in 
common. 

Moorinov 

Oh, nonsense! Life is not a romance. You'll get 
used to him and learn to love him. 



24 THE NEW CONVERT 

Kate 

Oh, how dreadful, how monotonous it must be to 
try and get used to someone you don't like! No, I 
want life to be a romance — a real romance, and if it 
can't be so, I don't want it at all. Papa, what is the 
use of a life full of misery? Why can't life be a ro- 
mance? Romances are written from life. 

Moorinov 

Oh, I don't know. Those romances that I have seen, 
I would rather have not seen at all. A girl like you, 
thoughtless and careless, falls in love with someone, 
but what follows after? Quarrels, sorrow, tears, and 
despair. Then she weeps her whole life after her lover, 
who is carrying on a romance elsewhere. Oh no, Kate, 
not this kind of a future am I preparing for you, — 
oh no. Your place is the highest in society, you must 
shine, you must rule. 

Kate 

Yes, yes, that means I must be a crank, full of cap- 
rices, a spendthrift, and a society flirt. Well, what 
can I do if all this is so unbearable, so hateful to me? 

Moorinov, comes near to her and talks very earnestly 
and emphatically. 

You must help me to build up the glory of our 
family. (Kate is listening very attentively.) You see, 
this is the aim of my life. I worked all my life and I 
have laid the foundation. Now, who is going to finish 
building the rest of it? Aren't you going to help me? 
If I should die tomorrow, what would become of my 
toil? Do you know that when you were born I was 
very sorry? 



THE NEW CONVERT 25 

Kate 
Were you? Thank you. 

Moorinov 

Yes I was. I had always prayed to God for a boy. 
But when you started to grow, becoming cleverer and 
lovelier every day, I rejoiced. You, my dear Kate, are 
worth more than three boys. That which takes a man 
to work scores of years for, you are able to obtain at 
once, honestly and at the dawn of your life and in my 
presence. All you need to do, is to stretch out your 
hand. Just think of this, Kate ; if you marry Volkov, 
your children will carry his and my name. I can fix 
that with the money I possess ; and with the title of a 
Count we can reach everything, and then all that I 
have dreamt of and striven for, all that I have lived 
and hoped for, will be accomplished, and I shall die 
happy. (Silence.) Well, you are silent? 

Kate 

My dear papa, pardon me. I am sorry, but I can- 
not accomplish your wish, to help you to realize 
your dream. I'm not after social standing, nor do I 
want any glory. I don't need them. I hate them. 
Papa, darling, I wanted to tell you this for some time, 
but I had no courage. I despise palaces and luxury. 
I want to forsake all this and go. I want to go to those 
who are poor, who are suffering, who are in need of 
light and aid. I want to work for the unfortunate 
ones, for those who have been wronged, to share with 
them sorrow and joy, to live for them and die for them 
if necessary. This is what the happiness of my life 
consists of. 



26 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Kate, my child, my daughter! Oh God! What 
have I labored all my life for? 

Enter Lackey and after him Volkov. 

Lackey 
Alexander Petrovich Volkov ! 

Moorinov, thinking for a moment. 
Ask him in. 
Enter Volkov in the uniform of a military officer. 

Moorinov, approaching to meet him. 

Well, well, Mr. Volkov, pleased to see you. We 
expected you here yesterday. We were thinking you'd 
call on the way back from the club. We waited till 
about eleven. 

Kate seats herself on the sofa at the further end of 
the room, in a corner, and is hardly noticed by the 
newcomer. 

Volkov, laughing harshly. 

Well, I guess I'd be a pretty sight if I had come in 
here last night! Why, that noise is in my head even 
now. Don't you know, Metka is going to be married 
and he made a little party for the boys. Well, that was 
the last bachelor-booze there. On such an occasion, 
of course, I couldn't refuse, don't you see? . . . im- 
possible, you know. ... I am frank with you and I 
own up — I am boozing now. I am taking it all in and 



THE NEW CONVERT 27 

having a devil of a time while I am single to remember 
my younger days by. I'm raising the devil while 
single, but as soon as I'm married — it's all over. 
You'll see Mr. Moorinov, I'll take an oath on that, — 
not a drop — not a smell even. 

Moorinov 
Sh . . . Sh . . . don't you see? Kate is here. 

Volkov, confused. 

Why didn't you stop me? (To Kate.) Pardon me, 
Miss Katherine. I didn't notice you were here. We 
all are sinful. The Nihilists, I guess, are the only 
ones that don't drink nowadays. 

Kate 

Why, not at all, Mr. Volkov. Why excuse yourself ? 
I am very pleased to hear the happy news. Are you 
going to get married? I wish you good luck. And 
may I know to whom, if it is no secret? 

Volkov 
Miss Katherine, I think you know it well. 

Kate 
No sir, I do not, and I am very anxious to know. 

Volkov 
You are joking, Miss Katherine. . . . 



28 THE NEW CONVERT 



Moorinov 

Now what's the use of all this? Mr. Volkov is 
making you a proposal, and, of course, like a gentle- 
man, he first asked my permission. This may not be 
quite stylish but it is very polite. I gave him my sanc- 
tion. Now it's up to you, and remember, he deserves 
a proper answer. 

Kate 

Can you blame me, papa, because it looks to me like 
a joke and sounds so comical? 

Turns to Volkov with a very earnest expression on 
her face. 

Volkov 

No hurry, Miss Katherine, no hurry. I'm not in- 
sisting on an immediate answer. I'll wait; take your 
time and think it over. . . . 

Moorinov 

That's right. She'll think it over. I'U let you 
know her decision. It is very nice of you, I'm sure. 
. . . Now, how is his Highness the count? Is he 
in good health ? 

Volkov, with great dignity. 

My uncle? Yes, he is well. I saw him the other 
day. He asked me to tell you that he'll be here later 
this evening. 

Moorinov 

His Highness Himself will come here? I suppose 
I am indebted to you for this great honor? 



THE NEW CONVERT 29 

VOLKOV 

Uncle thinks a great deal of you and your family. 
He very much approves the ... he is very much in 
favor of . . . for his part we could . . . however, 
we will talk about this later. 



Moorinov 

All right sir ! Just as you say. But would you like 
to step into my study? I have a fine smoke for you 
there. Cigars of a special brand. (He lets Volkov 
pass through the open door and hastily turns to Kate.) 
Think it over, think it over well, do you hear? Don't 
be too hasty. Remember, your future depends upon 
your word. 

He goes off. Kate remains alone in deep thought. By 
the side door enters Norov. 



Kate, jumps up frightened. 
Who is this? Oh, is that you? Why did you come? 

Norov 

Why did I come? What a question! To see you, 
of course ! Isn't this enough ? Just think. The whole 
week I couldn't get away for a minute. I thought 
you surely would be angry, but instead you ask me 
why I came? 

Kate, thoughtfully. 

No, it's all right. You did well to come here. I 
didn't mean to say that. 



30 THE NEW CONVERT 



Norov 



Thank you, but what is the matter with you, Miss 
Katherine? Are you not feeling well? Or is there 
any trouble? Would you tell me, please? We are 
friends, we are comrades, and we promised to tell 
everything to each other. 

Kate 

I'll tell you all, everything, only just let me pull my- 
self together. . . . Tell me why didn't you come all 
this time? I felt so lonesome. 

Norov 

There you have it. First you ask me why I came, 
now why I stayed away. Now I won't tell you. 

Kate 
Please do. I don't feel like joking just now. 

Norov 

Pardon me. Now I'll tell you all about it. We were 
very busy getting this ready. (Reaches in his inside 
pocket.) Just done. My first piece of work. (Hands 
a paper to Kate.) Just look, how lovely, the govern- 
ment printing looks worse than this, yet this was done 
in the attic. 

Kate 

Why, what's this? A proclamation! (Reads the 
heading.) " FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY COM- 
MITTEE TO EVERY HONEST RUSSIAN 
CITIZEN." Thank you. I can't read it now, I 
will later. 

Hides the paper in a music sheet. 



THE NEW CONVERT 31 

Norov 

What's the matter with you? Please tell me. What 
happened to you? You frighten me. 

Kate 

Oh, I have such unpleasantness to contend with! 
Listen. (Speaks fast.) Volkov is with papa. He 
proposed to me. Papa insists on my marriage to 
Volkov. 

Norov 

What? Volkov proposed to you? That rascal 
dared to face you? Do you know what this bird did? 

Kate 

No, I don't know. What did he do? I haven't 
heard anything about him. 

Norov 

The scoundrel betrayed Miss Artyomevy and her 
brother. He got into their house as a friend. There 
were several gatherings and they talked on different 
subjects. The police smelt it and one day they were 
all arrested. 

Kate 
Well? Then what? 

Norov 

Of course they were cross-examined and Volkov be- 
trayed everyone of them in order to save himself. He 



32 THE NEW CONVERT 

was mean and treacherous enough to say that he 
purposely came into the house in order to find out the 
character of their gatherings so that he could turn 
them over to the police. He is a fine bird, isn't he? 
No wonder his uncle, the count, likes him so much. 

Kate 
Oh no ! It can't be; papa would know about it. 

Norov 

Well, it's an old story. He might have managed to 
hide the facts from papa. Besides, your father would 
see these things in a different light. 

Kate 

Oh heavens! and papa wanted me to marry such 
a man. 

Norov 

Kate, how can you endure all this ? 

Kate 
What shall I do? 

Norov 

Why, quit it ! Make an end to this conservative way 
of living and come to us. We are waiting for you. 

Kate 

This will kill my father. How can I be happy with 
such a sacrifice? 



THE NEW CONVERT 33 

Norov, comes nearer to her. 

It will not kill him. He'll think it over. He'll un- 
derstand this. Besides, I am not calling you for hap- 
piness, but for our cause. We will fight together tor 
the freedom of our country, together; we shall be 
stronger and better; if I ever thought it would be 
different, I would have fled from you ; you would have 
never heard a word from me. Give me your hand and 
let us be comrades always — in our life of joy or sor- 
row; my feelings towards you are not only brotherly 
or comradely — I love you, Kate. 

Kate, throws herself into his arms with a joyful 
cry, but immediately steps back. Speaks with a low- 
ered voice. 

No, no, I cannot. I am not strong enough. (Behind 
the scenes Gorlova's voice is heard.) " What's the 
hurry? What are you running for? You have lots of 
time to tell them." (Gorlov more loudly.) "No, no, 
I'm not hurrying." 

Kate 

They're coming! (Kate and Norov quickly draw 
apart.) 

Enter, Moorinov, Moorinova, Gorlov, Gorlova, and 
Volkov by different doors. 

GORLOVA 

how lovely it is here ! Just like a palace. It's just 
God's will to make one rich and another poor, and it's 
not always those who deserve that get it. Well, I 
can't help it, but I just like to tell the truth. How 



34 THE NEW CONVERT 

are you, sister? (Kisses Moorinova.) How are you, 
brother-in-law? (Shakes hands, then turns to Kate.) 
And why are you so quiet? What ails you? Oh yes! 
I know. I know all about it. No girl wants to get into 
the harness, but it's our women's hard luck. 

GORLOV 

Just think. What news ! 

Gorlova 

Wait! wait! what are you hurrying for? You'll 
have lots of time to tell it to them. Don't be so hasty ! 

Gorlov 
No, no, I'm not hurrying. I'm just. . . . 

Gorlova 
Very well then, keep quiet. 
Sitting down. 

Moorinov, to Gorlov. 

Here, Mr. Gorlov, sit right here. There is a draught 
through that window. You might catch cold and I 
should have to be responsible to your wife. She is 
such a very strict lady. 

Gorlov 

Thank you. Never mind, don't bother; I'll sit right 
here, near Kate. (To Kate.) May I? 



THE NEW CONVERT 35 

Kate 

Why, yes of course! Please do, uncle. I'll open 
the screens and shut off the draught. (Opens screens 
and is not seen by Gorlova. In a low voice.) Well, 
did you get me the music I asked you for? 



Gorlov 

Yes indeed. I was almost in every music store. 
Here it is. 

Gives her a roll of music. 



Moorinov 

Well, what about that news ? We are waiting for it. 
You always have news even if there isn't any in the 
papers. 

Gorlov 

You're quite right ! I always do have news even if 
there isn't any in the papers. Just think! Count 
Mentirov is appointed Prime Minister of the Interior. 
His Majesty has just made the appointment. He ! he ! 
he! What do you know about this! Tomorrow it 
will be in the papers, but I got the news from a friend 
that the government. . . . Well, are you satisfied? 



Moorinov 

Well, well! This is certainly good news. Many 
thanks. (Presses and shakes his hand. Then he turns 
to Volkov and shakes his hand.) I congratulate you. 



36 THE NEW CONVERT 

Norov, to himself. 

Hm, some imp is appointed to keep the destiny of 
the people in his hands and they are happy. 

Moorinov, aside to his ivife, in a low voice. 
We need champagne for the great guest. We must 
make a big reception, and we mustn't forget musicians 
even if it has to be the Germans from the street. 

Moorinova 
I know, I know ! Don't teach me. 
Goes out. 

Moorinov 

Not only we, his nearest friends, ought to be happy, 
but all Russia should rejoice. It begins a new era and 
the nobles will regain their former position. 

Gorlov 

Oh no, excuse me. I have nothing against the 
nobles, but excuse me. ... I had the pleasure to hear 
him say . . . here I sat and there sat he. The nobles, 
he said, have outlived their times. Now, said he, the 
people's interest is of most importance. My policies, 
said he, are . . . 

Moorinov, interrupting. 

It can't be, no it can't be. I read his projects with 
my own eyes. He says : " The peasant must be 
strictly watched, and by enforcement of the nobles' 
rights, we can prevent a Revolution." I think you 
are mistaken. 



THE NEW CONVERT 37 

GORLOVA 

Yes, yes, you are right. He always makes mistakes. 

Gorlov, excited to Moorinov. 
Why is it that I am mistaken and not you? I am 
telling you here I sat, and there sat he. I heard him 
with my own ears. . . . 

Moorinov 
. . . but I saw it with my own eyes. 

Norov 

Allow me, gentlemen; why should you quarrel? 
Can't you see that the count played a joke on you 
both? . . . and not on you only. . . . 

Moorinov 
A joke? What do you mean by this, sir? 

Norov 

Yes, just a joke. Everything he does and says is 
only a joke and even his appointment as Minister is 
a joke. 

Moorinov 

How dare you, sir, to talk that way in my house and 
about my friend. . . . 

Volkov 
In my presence and about my uncle. . . . 



38 THE NEW CONVERT 



Norov 



Excuse me, gentlemen. I personally have nothing 
against the count, and your friendship and relation- 
ship concerns me very little. He is a government 
official. In his hand the destiny of the Russian people 
is placed. I, therefore, have at least the right as a 
Russian citizen to express my feeling of discontent 
and disregard, which I have towards that devilish 
appointment joke. 

Kate motions towards Norov as a sign to stop. 
Moorinov, her father, gets in between the two, with an 
angry expression. The guests move uneasily. Norov 
remains alone. 

Moorinov, in a threatening voice. 

Young man! There is a limit to everything. At 
times, of course, we must take youth into consideration, 
but your words . . . 

(Enter Lackey. Stays at the door and announces.) 

Count Mentirov! 

Moorinov 
He is welcome ! 

Norov 

I guess the best thing for me is to get away from 
here. 

Moorinov 

Just as you say. I won't dare to keep you. Good 
bye ! good bye ! 

He goes with him to the door. 



THE NEW CONVERT 39 

Enter Count Mentirov. He is a somewhat lively 
and not very old man. 

Moorinov, excited — aloud. 

Hey waiters, champagne! Hey you musicians, play 
up ! (The music plays — " Kamorinsky." Moorinov, 
excited, puts his hands on his head.) Not this, you 
fools! Stop! not that! (The music stops.) 

Mentirov 

Never mind! That's all right. I love those folk 
songs. (Everyone shakes hands with the Count. 
Congratulations and toasts are made all round.) 

Mentirov 

Thanks, thanks. (He seats himself comfortably in 
the arm chair; they all form a circle around him.) 
Hew . . . but I am tired. I am not very old, but 
the work seems to tell on me; and I was so busy. 
Could hardly get away. 

Moorinov 

I scarcely know how to thank your excellency for 
the honor. 

Mentirov 

Just think, the news was not in the papers yet, and 
I had thirteen delegates. 

Gorlov 

Well, well, well! You really had thirteen dele- 
gates? Well! 



40 THE NEW CONVERT 

Mentirov 

Of course, it wasn't thirteen single delegates. It was 
one collective deputation. Who do you think it was? 
Why, it was one representing the twelve tribes of 
Israelites. It is wonderful how quickly they got to 
know about it. The Jews are a pretty smart race and 
I love them just for this. Why, there is some Jewish 
blood in me, I think. When I last took a trip to Pales- 
tine with the Turk named Muchtar — Pasha — a 
splendid fellow — even if he did drink liquor and was 
only a Turk, — I discovered that their ancestors are 
descended in a straight line from King Herod. What 
do you know about this! Isn't it very interesting? 
Let's see. What was it I started to talk about? Oh, 
yes. So I received the deputation very kindly. I 
can't help it, you know. My rule is, the people's in- 
terests are first. 

Gorlov, in a low voice to Moorinov. 
Now you see ! you see ! 

Mentirov 
I am very friendly inclined towards the Jews, said 
I. The southern border is free and open for you, said 
I. You can go if you please. Southern Europe is 
your place all right, said I. There they need your 
talent, your knowledge, said I, but we don't need you. 
What for? We have enough of our own. We need 
nothing from others. Commerce? Exchange of pro- 
ducts? — Nonsense! What do we need commerce 
for? My policy is very simple — No, import, no ex- 
port! Here is my whole political policy, said I. I 
even told the Czar the same. He agreed with me, and 
— Hee, Hee, Hee, — he liked it too — Hee, Hee, Hee 



THE NEW CONVERT 41 

. . . (winking.) We know how and whom to suit. 
Education? — nonsense, humbug! The peasant must 
only believe and be obedient, then we are safe. Should 
the peasant leave the village, the Revolution is at 
our door. 

Moorinov, in a low voice to Gorlov. 

Now you see, you see, I told you so. 

Mentirov, continues. 

Education — What does the peasant need education 
for? You give him an A. B. C. and he'll soon want 
a newspaper and he'll go about publishing proclama- 
tions. He needs a priest, a boss and a policeman. 
This is just the Trinity he needs and on top of this 
Trinity — the Czar. We will always keep this Trinity. 
Hee, Hee, Hee . . . always. 

Kate, sarcastically. 
Poor peasant ! I wouldn't like to be in his shoes. 

Mentirov, suavely and condescendingly. 

It is hard to make you ignorant people to under- 
stand things. Costly stones are not for the streets; 
they are to shine in crowns. Hee, Hee, Hee! . . . 
Excuse the old man, your future father-in-law. This 
chump, you see, (pointing at Volkov) told me all about 
it and asked me to be the Godfather. 

Volkov 

Oh uncle, I think you are a little too hasty. Miss 
Katherine has not given her consent. I only asked 
you to support my proposition. 



42 THE NEW CONVERT 



Mentirov 



Oh, is that it? All right. I'll help you. I will. 
I'm always ready to help the young. I love the young 
folks. I was young myself. We were all young. Isn't 
it so? (Turns to Moorinov.) Well, my dear friend, 
for my part I am very much pleased with such a dear 
girl. She will be an ornament in our home. A smart 
wife for a man is a whole treasure. I have a clerk in 
my office; he is as stupid as a cork — but he has a 
smart wife and everything is all right. (Turns to 
Volkov.) This is not meant for your garden. I didn't 
mean you; you are always able to get by yourself. 
But it will be very pleasant just the same to drop in 
some evenings when you're out, to have a little talk 
with a smart woman and listen to her music. (Turns 
to Kate.) I heard you can play and sing very nicely, 
and I love music very much, especially our national 
songs. I think " Lutchinushka " is superior to Bee- 
thoven's music. (Takes a red music book.) What's 
this? Oh, National songs! That's fine! Would you 
sing a little? 

Kate, tries to take the book from him. 

I haven't sung these for sometime. Wouldn't you 
rather have me sing this for you? 

She takes another book. 



Mentirov 

No, no, — this is German. I just want our Nation- 
al. Here is one just right. ... A bridal song. (He 
turns the leaves and drops a paper to the floor.) 
What's this? (Reads.) "From the Revolutionary 



THE NEW CONVERT 43 

Committee to every honest Russian Citizen." Pro- 
clamation ! (Drops his hand and glances at everyone 
suspiciously.) There are no flowers without thorns. 
(Turns to Kate.) So this is why you are pitying the 
peasant so much. Well, this is unexpected, unexpect- 
ed. I'm sure. . . . (Turns to Moorinov.) And where 
were your eyes ? You a pillar of society, and your own 
daughter a Nihilist. She doesn't deserve a future 
count for a husband, but her place is exile in Siberia ! 
Do you know this? You understand? (He puts both 
hands in his pockets and looks at Moorinov with a 
grave and strict expression; in the meantime he feels 
of something in his pocket, pulls it out, unfolds it, and 
reads aloud.) (From the Revolutionary Commit- 
tee . . . ) ugh?! Well! A proclamation in my 
pocket! (Compares.) Just the same! Well I de- 
clare ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! So I am Nihilist too ? I shall 
have to exile myself to Siberia ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! I tell 
you those fellows are pretty slick. Well, I like those 
people when they are as quick as that. (Very kindly 
to Moorinov.) Well, so what have you to say regard- 
ing the proposition my nephew made with my consent ? 

Moorinov 

Count, I am deeply affected by your very kind 
treatment. I consider it absolutely fatherly. 

Mentirov 

Oh well, this is between ourselves, you know! Of 
course I was young myself, and I understand all this. 
(Turns to Kate.) Well, what has Miss Katherine 
to say? 

Kate makes a motion to Volkov as a sign to follow 
her. She sits down at the rear of the stage on a sofa. 



44 THE NEW CONVERT 

Volkov tries to sit down near her on the sofa, but she 
points out a chair to him. 

Mentirov, winking towards them. 

Youth ! We know all their secrets by heart. Well, 
let us not disturb them. They will settle their affairs 
better without us. 

The conversation between Kate and Volkov is car- 
ried on in half -loud tones; both are somewhat excited, 
but are trying to suppress it. Business for the rest. 

Kate 

Look here, Mr. Volkov, I wish you would get rid of 
that notion. I shall never be your wife. I don't know 
whether I could even count you among my friends. 

Volkov 

Why, Miss Katherine! What does this mean? 
What have I done? Have I offended you in any way? 

Kate 

Oh, well. ... I have such caprices at times. . . . 
Can you please tell me what has become of the brother 
and sister Artyomevy? You were friendly with them 
once? 

Volkov, absolutely lost. Stammering. 

Why . . . eh . . . m . . . Artyomevy? I ... So 
this is it? Well I wasn't very friendly with them, 
although I used to go to their house. 

Lowers his head. 



THE NEW CONVERT 45 

Kate 

So it is true? . . . (with disgust) and you expected 
after this that any respectable girl would consent to be 
your wife? 

Volkov 

You are merciless, Miss Katherine. What have I 
really done ? There were many witnesses. They would 
have been caught anyway. No one wants to perish. 
Had I not delivered them, someone else would. 

Kate 

I see, so you preferred to be the scoundrel, rather 
than anyone else? 

Volkov 

Miss Katherine, be careful. Do not wake the devil 
in me! 

Kate 

The devil ? That's an insult to the devil. You mean 
the snake ! 

Volkov 

Even so. But to step on the snake is dangerous; 

he might sting. 

Stands up and goes to Mentirov. 

Mentirov 
Well, how is it, all right? 



46 THE NEW CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

Not quite, why? 

Mentirov 
Not quite, why? 

Volkov 

I cannot forget the discovery of the proclamation in 
her possession, and by a thorough investigation . . . 

Mentirov, interrupts. 

Oh nonsense. You can't put a sweetheart under 
cross-examination and investigation. We've all been 
mischievous in the years of our youth. I myself 
when a student . . . 

Volkov, interrupts. 

After the conversation we had, I cannot take the 
case otherwise than serious. 

Mentirov 

What did she say to you? 

Volkov shrugs his shoulders and looks at Mentirov 
with an expression of vital significance. 

Mentirov, hitting his forehead with his palm. 

Why couldn't I see it before? Of course, for his 
convictions he is even willing to sacrifice a sweetheart 
with millions. Good for you! Some think that there 
are no people who are true to their convictions. Here 



THE NEW CONVERT 47 

is one right here. (To Volkov.) This is pretty slick. 
I like slick people. A fellow like you is priceless. 
(Comes up near the rest of the people and speaks to 
Moorinov.) L am very sorry. An explanation with 
your daughter led him to understand, that though it 
would be a very paying and profitable proposition, he 
nevertheless, as a true subject to his Czar, must with- 
draw and decline the honor of becoming her husband. 
As to myself, being his nearest relative, and a loyal 
servant of my Czar, I cannot but highly praise his 
splendid stand as far as patriotism and loyalty is 
concerned. I am very sorry, very sorry. Let us hope 
that the unpleasant events of today will not have any 
bad effect, and will not injure your standing in certain 
spheres of society. 

Leaves the room very proudly with Volkov. 

Moorinov, to Kate. 

Do you understand what you have done? Do you 
realize? You have killed me without a weapon! 



Moorinova 

Now, what do you want from her? Everybody is 
bothering her and even you, her father, are after her. 
That isn't her fault. She isn't to be blamed for it ; it's 
him, that educated young man, that spoiled her! My 
poor daughter! 

Moorinov 

Oh God! Why do you punish me so hard? My 
daughter, my child, the only pride of my life, is now a 
traitor to my Czar ! You robbed me of my Honor, you 



48 THE NEW CONVERT 

disgraced my gray hair, you broke my age, and short- 
ened my life ! I disown you as my daughter. You are 
no more my child. I have no daughter any more. 

Moorinova shrieks and faints. 

Gorlov 
Mr. Moorinov, why for God's sake! 

Gorlova, with strict orders to her husband. 
Here now! Keep away! Don't butt-in. 

Kate 

Papa, don't curse me. Don't forsake me. You will 
not suffer through me. I'll fix it all, for I know a 
remedy. 

CURTAIN 



ACT TWO 

Scene : A poor but neatly furnished room. Gorlova 
looks the same as in first act. Moorinova looks very 
much older and feeble. Between the first and second 
act two years have passed. 

Gorlova 

Well, rny sister, I don't care whether you are going 
to get angry or not, but I must tell you the truth; 
your husband is not acting right. It's a sin before 
God. It is His will and it must be so. We must not 
sin against His will. Many parents lose their children, 
still they don't kill themselves over it. You have other 
relatives besides Kate. 

Moorinova 

No, my sister, we have none, we have none; since 
we lost her, it seems as if we lost everything. She was 
the only one, the sunshine of our house. 

Gorlova 

Well, there are others and they have children and he 
might think of them ; but he acts as if they are stran- 
gers to him. I am sure you are not. Why does he 
keep you indoors all the time? 

Moorinova 

Oh well, never mind myself, if only he felt better. 
He is now the only one I have. 



50 THE NEW CONVERT 

GORLOVA 

Why don't you cheer him up, and put new hope into 
him? I suppose you keep crying and sighing before 
him, and of course, that makes matters worse. Well, 
you've been a hen all your lifetime, and I suppose 
you'll die a hen my sister. It's too bad, at times I am 
angry at you, but as a sister you see, I have to think 
differently of you and forgive you. Well, I guess 
I'll go. Good-bye, dear. 



Rising to go. 



Moorinova 



Oh, don't go ! Sister ! It's only once in a great while 
we see each other. It's so lonesome here. Looks as if 
a storm is nearing now. Do you see the lightning? 
Oh look, look. 



It is lightning. 



GORLOVA 



Well, what's to fear, we all live under God. I am 
not afraid. 



Moorinova 

I was once brave, nothing could scare me; but now, 
oh dear, oh dear, everything scares me now. Some- 
times the draught slams the door, and my heart almost 
stops beating. The other day Akulina dropped the 
tray with dishes; I got so frightened that I fainted. 
At the time I thought someone was shooting and that 
the walls were falling. The doctor says it's the heart. 
Well, since I lost Kate, I've become a wreck. (Light- 



THE NEW CONVERT 51 

ning.) Oh dear, it's lightning again. I think I'll close 
the window. (Closing.) Shall I light the lantern be- 
fore the images? 

Gorlova 
Why not? Light up. No harm. 

Moorinova, lighting the lantern. 
Shall I order the samovar? Will you have tea? 

Gorlova 
Yes sister. I will. It's kind of easier to chat at tea. 

Moorinova 

Well then, I'll order. (She rings the bell, rings 
again. Then calls.) Akulina! (Voice behind the 
scenes:) Yes mam. 

Gorlova 
Why, is she deaf? 

Moorinova 
Well, no, she isn't, but she is rather slow and dreamy. 
Enter Akulina. 

MOORINOVA 

What's the matter with you? Were you sleeping? 

Akulina 
No mam. Was washing dishes. 



52 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Very well then. Make the samovar. 

Akulina 

Yes mam. (Turning to go, she tips over a stand 
with a flower-pot on it.) 

MOORINOVA 

There! now you see what you've done! Why, you 
are awfully careless. The other day you broke the 
dishes, this time the flower-pot. 

Akulina 
Well 'tisn't my fault that God created me such. 
Goes out. 

GORLOVA 

Well ! And she has the nerve to answer yet ! Why 
do you keep her? 

Moorinova 

But who would keep her, the poor thing, if I should 
discharge her ? She is willing enough. She tries hard. 
She is awkward, but she is good for plain work, clean- 
ing, scrubbing, and washing. Of coure, I do not let 
her do the parlor cleaning. 

Gorlova 

That's it, you see, that's why you look so bad. You 
work too hard; and what does he say? 



THE NEW CONVERT 53 

MOORINOVA 

He tells me to get a chamber maid. We advertised 
for one ; but I don't seem to be able to get the right one. 
(Enter Akulina with a boiling samovar.) Here is the 
samovar. Pretty soon Pavel Michaelovitch will come 
in. Don't mention anything to him. Don't remind 
him of our loss. I know you mean well, you're a dear 
soul, but don't do it today. Not this day. Oh no, 
not today ! . . . 

Gorlova 

Very well then, I won't say anything. But why I 
must not say anything today I cannot understand. 
What's the matter with today? 

MOORINOVA 

You can't understand, eh? (Bitterly.) An aunt is 
not a mother, my dear, that is why you can't under- 
stand. Today is just two years since we lost our Kate. 
This morning we went to church and had a memorial 
service. (Placing a handkerchief to her eyes.) Be- 
lieve me, sister, it's two years and we, (sobs) we dare 
not mention her name aloud. Understand? We don't 
mention her name, not a word. Pavel Michaelovitch 
feels that if he should mention her name I would burst 
out into tears, and I feel the same . . . don't you see. 

Gorlova 

You cannot remedy ill fate with words. It's best 
to keep quiet about it. My man kept on from morning 
to night about Kate and again about Kate. Well, I 
told him the same. I forbade him to talk about her 
and now he says not a word about Kate ! 



54 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Oh sister, don't say that! If you talk things over 
it does not lie so heavy on your heart. Look at Pavel 
Michaelovitch. Two years ago he had not a gray hair 
in his head, but now — all gray. 

Gorlova 
That's so. It almost killed him ! That's so. 

Moorinova 

Her farewell letter that we found on her table I am 
wearing on my person. I don't read it myself nor do 
I show it to father. Only on an occasion like today. 
Of course, I cannot resist. (Thoughtful for a mo- 
ment, then places handkerchief to her eyes.) If I only 
knew her grave. If I only knew where to go to shed 
tears over it, it would have been a relief. It seems for 
our sins we are not worthy of this. Her hat was found 
on the beach, but it seems her body went down to the 
bottom of the sea, and then floated away with the tide. 
Her dear little bones are washed by the sea waves. 
(Sobbing, listens.) Is Pavel Michaelovitch coming? 
Sister darling, let us not talk about this in his presence. 

Gorlova 

No, that isn't him. It's someone else coming. 

Enter Gorlov with a bouquet of white roses; seeing 
his wife, he hides them behind him. 

Gorlov 

How are you, Maria Ivanova ! (To his wife.) I did 
not expect to find you here. 



THE NEW CONVERT 55 

GORLOVA 

I see, I see that you didn't expect me here. What 
is it you've got there? 

Gorlov, stammering. 

That's nothing. . . . That's just, you know, just ah 
em, eh, — for today's sake. (To Moorinova.) I 
brought it for you. 

GORLOVA 

Such a bouquet! What a spendthrift. You never 
brought me such a bouquet before. 

Moorinova 

Thanks, thanks dearest; seems you loved Kate 
pretty well. Oh how dear it is for a mother's heart ! 

Gorlov 
How could one help loving Kate? 

Gorlova, aside. 

There they go again ! Watch them start it up again ; 
the next thing you know, there'll be tears. (Aloud.) 
Why do we all stand? Let us sit down. (Pause.) 
What is it you are sewing? 

Moorinova 

A cover for the table in the sitting room of the 
orphanage, which Pavel Michaelovitch built in memory 
of Kate. This orphanage is like a child to me. Any- 
thing I do for the orphanage is as if I did it for Kate. 



56 THE NEW CONVERT 

GORLOVA 

You people are always circling around the same 
spot. If you had taken one of the orphan girls into 
your house you'd feel much better; it would be 
some relief. 

Moorinova 

Oh, well! (Sighing.) We old people are like dry 
trees. The branches are there to stay, but new ones 
never come. 

Gorlova 

But you hang on to one branch. We have about 
eleven of those branches and I don't know who is bet- 
ter off. Perhaps you are? 

Moorinova 

0, sister! how can you? . . . this is God's will. 
You must not . . . 

Gorlov, interrupting. 

Don't you believe her. This is all talk. You just 
ask her to give you one of those eleven and 
you'll see 

Moorinova 

Children are God's gift. Had we other children be- 
sides Kate the loss would not have been so great. 
There would have been others for whom to live. Wait 
. . . (Listens. Footsteps are heard near the door.) 
Say, is this dress made of French calico, or is it 
from Moscow? 



THE NEW CONVERT 57 

GORLOVA 

From Moscow, a present ! 

Moorinova 
Oh, how pretty! 
Enter Moorinov. 

MOORINOV 

Good evening, Mrs. Gorlova. That's right, that's 
very nice of you to come and see us once in a while. 
(To Mr. Gorlov.) Oh, how are you getting along? 
As young as ever ? How are the children ? 

Gorlov 

Thanks. They are all, Thank God, weU. Why don't 
you drop in to see us once in a while? 

Moorinov, disregarding the answer. 
How close it is here! why are all the windows shut? 

Moorinova 
It was lightning and we were afraid. 

Moorinov 

There is no need of fearing lightning. They are 
messengers of the coming storm. 

Gorlov 

Ladies are supposed to be timid even if there is no 
need of it. 



58 THE NEW CONVERT 

Moorinov, pacing up and down. 

Well, perhaps the storm is coming this way and 
perhaps it will pass by ... it may end in nothing 

. . . (Thoughtfully, absorbed.) Yes, and in our 
lives it is the same; and if we see slight lightning, — 
we know a storm is coming, we have time to prepare 
for the storm . . . but those sudden unexpected storms 

... oh, they are awful. . . . You get suddenly 
knocked down by a clap of thunder. . . . God forbid 
such an attack! Some fall and never rise again, 
others rise but they have not a dark hair on their 
head . . . they get gray, my dear, all white. . . . 

GORLOVA 

Pavel Michaelovitch, you are still repeating the same 
story. Still you are torturing yourself. Be careful, 
it's God's will. Take my advice, take a trip some- 
where; a change will do you good. You always stick 
at home and that is liable to kill anyone. 

Moorinov 

Yes, it's true; it's lonesome at home. But if I go 
anywhere it is still more lonesome and then I hurry 
home as if someone is waiting for me there. 

Gorlova 

Pull yourself together, Pavel Michaelovitch; don't 
let it get the best of you, for you might get yourself 
into trouble. It's dangerous. We have a neighbor 
where we live, — a widower. He lost his son, the only 
one he had, and just like you he locked himself in 
the house, — didn't go anywhere and wouldn't see any- 



THE NEW CONVERT 59 

body. He'd pace up and down in his room and talk 
to himself just like you. And the Lord punished him 
for it. After one week they took him to the insane 
asylum. Well, he was alone, he had no one; but you 
have a wife and relatives. Just think how they would 
feel. I am telling it to you as a relative of yours. For 
pity's sake, strangers would not tell you such things. 
What do they care ? Don't be angry with me. Good- 
bye, sister, remember what I told you. Don't let him 
go on this way. You'll be sorry then, but it will be too 
late. Good-bye. 



Kisses Moorinova. 



Moorinov 



Why don't you wait a little? I'll send Akulina to 
get a taxi, the storm may . . . 

Gorlov 
Never mind, no need of it, the storm is far off yet. 
Exit. 

Moorinov 

She has remarkably strange ways to encourage 
people. (Silence. Goes up to the window.) How 
warm it is. Not a breeze . . .it is lightning again. 
(Paces over the room, sighing.) Oh dear, Oh dear ! . . . 

Moorinova 
What did you say? 

Moorinov, yawning. 
Nothing, nothing. (Silence.) What time is it? 



60 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

About nine. . . . Why do we sit in the dark? 
Attempts to light a candle. 

Moorinov 

Wait, don't light! It's better that way. Oh dear, 
oh dear ! . . . Yes, nine . . . then ten . . . eleven. . . 

Moorinova 
Aren't you feeling well? 

Moorinov 

No, no, I am just . . . that is . . . (Stops.) Hon- 
estly, I don't know what is the matter with me ... it 
is so close, the air is so heavy, it chokes me, and here 
(points to his heart) I have such a strange feeling, a 
burning sensation, and my heart beats so fast. . . . 

Moorinova 

It's the air, and perhaps the tea you drank was too 
strong. You must not drink strong tea towards night. 
Will you take some of my drops? 

Moorinov 

Oh, what's the use of drops ! It's the air, really it's 
heavy; always before a storm the air is that way. 

The door bell is heard in the entry, but the couple 
pay no attention. Enter Masha; she remains at the 
door. She wears very plain clothes and a handker- 
chief over her head; she holds a small bundle under 
her arms. 



THE NEW CONVERT 61 



Moorinova, without turning around. 

Akulina, is that you? Light the candles, will you? 
(To herself.) I really don't know how to pass 
the time. 



Masha 

It's me, mam ! 

MOORINOVA 

Gracious, but you scared me ! You? Who are you? 

Masha 

I read in the papers that you need a girl, mam, a 
servant in the house, and I came to get the position. 

Moorinova 

But who comes into a strange house without 
permission ? 

Masha 

I rang the bell, mam. I had no reply. The door was 
open so I walked in. Thought I'd meet someone. 
I beg to be excused, mam. 

Moorinova 

Well, never mind. I forgive you this time. So you 
wish to be a servant girl? 

Masha 
Yes mam! 



62 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

I know you want to; but can you be one? Can you 
iron starched clothes? 

Masha 

I may not be able to do it just so, but I'll get used 
to it, mam. 

Moorinova 

Oh no! That won't do! You begin to learn and 
you'll spoil all my laundry. 

Masha 
I'll try not to. 

MOORINOVA 

What? Talk louder. I can't hear you. 

Masha 

I'll try to please you. I've never been a servant 
before. 

Moorinova 

I see. Well, can you sew? 

Masha 

Not quite, but I'll try. I wouldn't want much, mam. 
Anything you'll give me, will be thankfully accepted. 
I can read, mam. I went to school, I'll read things 
to you. . . . 



THE NEW CONVERT 63 

Moorinov, comes near the table. 
Have you a passport with you? 

Masha 

Yes sir, with me, sir! (Reaches in her bosom. 
Moorinov lights the candle.) 

MOORINOVA 

There you are. You don't know how to iron, you 
don't know how to sew, but you can read. Who needs 
your reading? 

Masha, hands over passport. 

Here it is sir, in good order. 

Moorinov, reads. 

Girl . . .Maria Andreyeva Meschanka . . .Twenty- 
five . . . Hm! face round . . . chin round . . . eyes 
round . . . nose round . . . Well, everything round, 
perfect all around, a perfect round orphan. Here, 
take this. 

Hands passport to her and paces up and down 
the room. 

Moorinova 

Well, I don't think I'll have you. You can't do 
anything. I'm afraid you'll spoil everything. I am 
sorry, but I can't have you. 

Masha, places passport into bosom. 
Please mam, take me, have pity. 



64 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Well now, see for yourself. You don't know any- 
thing. You don't know how to do things. I'll get 
tired of you. 

Moorinov, at the window. 

Look here, young girl, you had better put an ad in 
the paper that you can read and you might get a po- 
sition that way. 

Masha 
I can't wait, sir. 

Moorinova 

There are others that get work that way. You might 
get it, too. 

Masha, persistently. 
But why don't you try me? . . . 

Moorinov, nervous. 
Oh Lord! . . . 

MOORINOVA 

What did you say? 

Moorinov 

Oh nothing. It's just the lightning; it was strong. 
(To Masha.) Well, my dear, you had better go. The 
Lord be with you. I'm sure He'll help you. 



THE NEW CONVERT 65 

Masha, with anger. 
I don't know about that ! 

Moorinova 
And you have a temper too, eh? 

Moorinov 

What? You'll stand here and give us back talk? 
Go on! Go on! Leave this house! 

Masha, decidedly. 

No ! I won't ! I have nowhere to go. (Throws down 
bundle and pulls off handkerchief from head.) Don't 
you recognize me? (In a low tone.) It is I . . . your 
daughter, Kate. . . . 

Moorinova, jumps up. 
What!? What is that? 

Moorinov, trembling — steps back. 

You . . . why, who is it? (Comes nearer and looks 
into her face.) Kate! (Gets down on his knees.) 
My God! 

Moorinova, frightened. 

Oh God! Is it true? Am I dreaming? (Crosses 
herself.) Is it possible ? In the name of all the saints ! 

Kate, helping father to rise. 
Forgive me, papa, forgive me! 



THE NEW CONVERT 



Moorinova, breathless. 



It's her! My Kate! My dear darling child! 
(Pressing her to her heart.) My only child! 

Sobbing. 



Moorinov 
She is living ! living, thank God ! 

Kate, seating mother on sofa. 

Now be calm, mother; don't excite yourself; sit 
down. I am sorry for all this excitement. You'll for- 
give me mama, won't you? 

Moorinova, forcibly seating Kate on her lap. 

I won't let you go, no, I won't let you! (Kissing 
her at every phrase.) My joy! You naughty girl! 
Darling! Where is father? Here, come here! What 
are you doing there at the window? Look who's 
here! . . . 



Moorinov, comes near Kate and places his hand on 
her head. 

Kate, you almost killed us . . . But you came back 
and we will thank God. Understand me, Kate, I have 
outlived it all. You might think I have cursed you, 
and denied you as my daughter? Oh, no! That very 
same evening I went to your room to forgive you, 
but you were not there. Now Kate, dear, forgive me 
as I forgive vou ! 



THE NEW CONVERT 67 

Kate 
To forgive you ! 
Throws herself on his neck. 

MOORINOV 

She is back again, back in my arms at my heart. 
Oh, God, I thank thee! I thank thee, Oh Lord, for 
everything, for thy punishment and likewise for thy 
mercifulness, for the sunshine which thou hast sent 
me now, after the cloudy life of late. I am thankful 
for everything, Oh Lord, and rejoice in thy gift which 
thou hast sent me for all my sufferings. 

Kate 

Papa, don't excite yourself, listen to me, I have 
something to tell you, both of you. 

Moorinova, looking at Kate's face. 

Her eyes . . . brows . . . the dear little nose . . . 
she is grown a little thinner ... eh? Oh yes, my 
darling, but where have you been all this time? 

Moorinov 

Why don't you wait, mother? Let her tell it 
herself. . . . 

Moorinova, undecided. 

But you are not from . . . from . . . the cemetery 
. . . and . . . not from the water . . . are you. . . - 



68 THE NEW CONVERT 

Kate, laughing. 

No, mother dear, no, not from the cemetery 
nor water. 

Moorinov 

Your smile, my dear, is still the same, happy and 
pleasing. Am I dreaming, or do I really hear your 
dear voice again? 

Kate 

No, papa dear, you are not dreaming; it is all true. 
I will tell you all. But here things don't seem the 
same. (Looks around.) Everything is changed. Did 
you get poor? Are you ruined? 

Moorinov 

No, dear, I am richer now than I was, but we have 
changed our way of living since we lost you. I 
changed considerably soon after your disappearance, 
I suddenly felt a dislike toward all luxury, hatred 
against the race for money and wealth, I wanted to 
leave it all, to give it all away, everything that I fought 
for all my life, I wanted to be poor, to live with the 
poor, to share with them, as you used to tell me, do you 
remember? I have always remembered and repeated 
your words. There is no greater happiness than to 
wipe a tear from the eyes of the stranger and to share 
your happiness with him. 

MOORINOVA 

Oh, come now, why do you tell her such things. You 
only make her feel bad. 



THE NEW CONVERT 



Kate 



No, no, papa tell me, tell me more, it makes me 
happy to hear you speak that way. 

Moorinov 
Why? 

Kate 

We seem to be much nearer to each other. You 
never had that pity before, the pity towards others, 
towards the unfortunate ones. 

Moorinov 

And are you still the same? 

Kate 

Yes, more so than before, although people say we 
are beasts. 

Smiling. 

Moorinov 

"We"? Who are the " we " ? Of whom are you 
talking? However, (caressing her) now we will live 
together, we will never part ; you shall help me and we 
will be everywhere together. 

Kate 

It would be delightful, papa. I would be so glad 
. . . but I cannot stay with you and I cannot help 
you. I only came here to stay for a little while, until 
the storm is over. . . . 

Moorinov and Moorinova look at each other in alarm. 



70 THE NEW CONVERT 

Moorinova, aside. 
Oh God, has she lost her mind? 

Moorinov 

Why can't you stay? Why only for a while? 
What storm? 

Kate 

I cannot, I must not appear as your daughter any- 
where. Your daughter is dead . . . She is drowned 
. . . She does not exist ... So let it be that way 
... I am a "round orphan" and my name is Maria 
Andreyevna. ... I can only stay here in your house 
as a servant. . . . Masha will be my name. You un- 
derstand? ... Of course, for you only I am Kate, 
your daughter, but for strangers I must be Masha. . . . 
If you can't . . . then . . . then . . . then I'll have 
to leave you. . . . 

Moorinov lowers his head in thought. 

Moorinova 
She is insane ! Insane ! . . . 

Moorinov 

Oh yes ! I see . . . you cannot ! I understand . . . 
Very well, you cannot! Otherwise . . . certainly! 
(In a lower voice.) I am perfectly satisfied. . . . 
Stay right here with us. . . . You are a stranger from 
Kroushtat, a servant girl, Maria Andreyevna. (To 
his wife.) This girl stays here . . . her name is 
Maria . . . Masha! ... I want you to remember it. 



THE NEW CONVERT 71 

Moorinova, aside, 

And he is crazy, too! ... Oh Lord! Oh Lord! 
(To Kate.) Come to me, Kate! . . . 

Moorinov, stamping his foot. 

Not Kate, but Masha ! Now let me have your pass- 
port, Masha! 

Kate hands over her passport. Moorinov examines 
the document near the candle. 

Moorinova 

So you were all the time in Kroushtat? And what 
were you doing there? 

Kate 

I was never in Kroushtat. This passport is not 
mine. Don't worry, mama, please ! 

Kisses her. 

Moorinova 
Why is it not yours? Whose is it, then? 

Moorinov 
Leave her alone. . . . 

Kate 

Mama, can't you understand ? I went to those whom 
you call Nihilists — since I left your house. I went 
to them and I stayed with them for the past two years. 



72 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

And you did not let us know even once? You have 
not called on us even once during all this time. Oh, 
how could you! 

Moorinov 

Leave her alone ! 

Kate 

I know, but I could not, don't you see, I could not. 
Do you think I did not long for you? Do you think 
I did not want to look at you if only once during all 
this time ? Or at least to send you a note, a message ? 
I felt so sorry for you, but I could not. They watched 
every step, every move of ours. It would have ruined 
you and myself. It was better to cut off every com- 
munication between us rather than to take chances. 

Moorinova 

So you loved us just the same? And you were 
thinking of us ? 



Kate 



Mama! . 



Moorinov 
Let me see, and where do you come from now? 

Kate 

Now ? Well, I'll tell you, we lived on the sands near 
the harbor. We had a secret printing plant. I was 
one of the composers. . . . Shall I tell you all? 



THE NEW CONVERT 73 

Moorinov 
Yes, tell me all, everything! 

Kate 

Very well. The police discovered us. Today they 
were to make a raid on us. We left everything and 
escaped. I stayed near by with a family; but it be- 
come dangerous, so I come to you. You live in a new 
house and no one would know me here. I can stay here 
with you as your servant until the danger is over, un- 
til the storm goes by. (To father.) Papa, can you 
hide me? Tell me if you cannot — I will leave 
you now. 

Mooristov 

No Kate. Stay right here, don't go. I'll take care 
of you. I will protect you. (Turns away.) But I gave 
my oath to the Czar, I kissed the cross, promised to be 
faithful. ... But do we think when we give our oath ? 
(Gets down on his knees before the image.) Oh God, 
forgive me ! 

CURTAIN 



ACT THREE 

Scene : A room as in first act. Morning. Moorinov 
ts sitting on the sofa with a newspaper in his hands, 
reading and smoking a pipe. Moorinova is putting on 
her hat before a mirror. Akulina is standing near her. 
Kate (Masha) is standing near the door, dressed in a 
calico dress and a white apron. It is Sunday. Church 
bells are heard from the distance. Between the 2nd 
and 3rd act, two weeks have elapsed. 

Moorinova 
How is the weather to-day? 

Akulina 
It is beautiful, mam, it is very pleasant and breezy. 

Moorinova 
Well, I guess I'll put my cape on. 

Moorinov, strict and loud. 

Masha! Why, what are you standing there like a 
pole for? 

Masha (Kate) 

What shall I do, sir? 

Moorinov 

What shall I do ? Didn't you hear the Madame say 
she wishes to put on her cape? Hurry up now! 



THE NEW CONVERT 75 

Kate, getting the cape and putting it on the ma- 
dame's shoulders. 

Will you take the umbrella with you, mam? 

Moorinova 
No, I guess not. Well, so now I'll go. Good-bye ! 

Moorinov 

Good-bye. I'll finish my smoke and then I'll go over 
to the architect. I promised to call on him today. 

Moorinova 

I'll go now. (Kate is stepping out of the way. To 
Kate.) Why don't you go ahead and open the door? 
Don't you know your duty? 

Moorinov 

That's right, tell her, teach her right. That's 
the way. 

Moorinov, alone, sighing. 

It is comical, yet it is painful. . . . (Enter Kate 
with a broom.) Well, what is this for? 

Kate 
Akulina said I am to sweep the rooms. 

Moorinov 

No, it is not necessary. Well, dear, what do you 
think of me as your boss? Did I assert myself all 



76 THE NEW CONVERT 

right? " Say, what are you standing there like a pole 
for?" Ha, Ha, Ha! Wasn't that fine! (Looks 
around and kisses Kate on the forehead hastily.) Let 
me have the broom, Kate, no one is here now. 

Kate 
Don't papa, Akulina might come in. 

Moorinov 

How would she dare to? What for? and if she does 
and sees me sweep. Well, then of course I am show- 
ing you how, teaching you, you see. . . . Let go. . . . 

Sweeping. 

Kate 
Oh, papa, please, let me do that. 

Moorinov, bending down and reaching with the 
broom under the sofa. 

Get out of my way! See how much dirt there is? 
Masha, get out of the way! . . . 

Kate 
Papa, the architect is waiting for you. 
Kate playfully snatches the broom from his hands. 

Moorinov 

Oh yes, yes. ... I had better go over to him. I'll 
come back soon. Oh quit that Kate, quit that 
dirty work! 



THE NEW CONVERT 77 

Kate 
Just a moment, papa. 

Moorinov 

This instrument doesn't become you. It is not be- 
coming you at all, Kate! (Lowers his voice.) but that 
other instrument I took out from the bundle. It is on 
the table in the other room. 



Kate 

Oh, that revolver? I couldn't think where I put 
it. I was wondering where it was ... it is a little 
one and I thought I lost it. 

Moorinov 

Yes, it is little but it can do great harm. ... I 
guess it can make lots of noise. 

Kate 
But be careful, papa, it is loaded. . . . 

Moorinov 

Never mind, my dear, you can't scare me. (Shaking 
his finger at her.) Oh you heroes! Guess I'll go. 
Lock the door after me. (Kisses her forehead.) 
Good-bye Kate. 

Kate 
What did you say? Kate? 



78 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Masha! My coat, my hat and my cane, quick! 
(Kate brings all in. Moorinov puts his coat on, looks 
around carefully, kisses Kate and goes to the door.) 
Good-bye ! 

Kate, calls him. 

Papa! 

Moorinov, returns. 
What is it? 

Kate 
I want to ask you something. 

Moorinov 
Well? 

Kate, imploringly. 
But you promise you will do it for me? 

Moorinov 

Oh, you bad girl! Very well, I promise. It isn't 
something terrible? 

Kate 
No papa, not all! Where does your architect live? 

Moorinov 
On Litton Street. Well? 



THE NEW CONVERT 79 

Kate 

On your way back, go down Kirochny Street and 
stop at the first corner, will you? 

Moorinov 
Yes, I'll do that. And what then? 

Kate 

On that corner you'll see a five-story brick house, 
of a light yellow color; — you'll see it. Then you look 
at the top floor at the second window from the corner 
and see whether a white umbrella is in the window, 
just like this one. 

Pointing at one in the hall. 

Moorinov 

All right. Second window from the corner on fifth 
floor. White parasol in window. What of it? 

Kate 

That's all! Oh yes, something else. If you'll see 
the parasol, get a cab and come back as fast as you 
can, but if not . . . (Lowers her head.) No, if you do 
not see it, come back still faster. I want to know. 

Moorinov 

What does all this mean? I cannot understand 
a thing. 

Kate 
Why, papa, can't you guess? 



80 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Oh yes ! I see, a signal. 

Kate 
That's right, a signal from my dear Dimitry. 

MOORINOV 
Dimitry? Who is he? 

Kate 

Why, don't you know, Norov ! Did you forget him ? 
If the parasol's in the window then it means he is 
alive and I shall see him. So go now, papa darling, 
and come back quickly with good news. 

Moorinov, with enthusiasm. 

Do you know what I'll do ? I'll take a cab right now 
and go direct to that place and I will come back right 
away. Never mind the architect. He can wait. I can 
go there tomorrow. I'll go over to that place right now. 

Kate, throws her hands around his neck. 
My dear, darling papa, thank you ! 

MOORINOV 

Good-bye ! 

Goes quickly out. 



THE NEW CONVERT 81 

Kate, alone. 

Oh what a dear papa I have! (Sweeps the floor 
with broom, absorbed in thought.) Hew, what dust! 
I'll open the window. (Opens the window.) What a 
beautiful morning ! Oh, how I would like to be out on 
the field or in the woods or on the lake! and here I 
have to sit between the four walls as in a prison. I 
can't even put my head out anywhere. Shall I go out 
on the veranda? It is so quiet here in this neighbor- 
hood. Who could see me here? There are no spies 
here, and even if one should happen to be around he 
wouldn't know me in these clothes. (About to go.) 
No, I'd better put my uniform on and get the little 
instrument for emergency's sake. 



puts her bonnet on, throws a towel over her 
shoulder and taking a bucket of water goes out on the 
veranda; she can be seen by the audience as she is 
cleaning the windows from the veranda side, singing 
Luchinushka. Her voice is at first low, then louder 
and louder, then again lower. She tries to keep herself 
calm, though she is very nervous as she ends the verse. 



Kate, runs in alarmed. 

It is he, it's he ! Oh, what if he recognized me ? He 
is apt to do almost anything; he is serving the police 
now, the secret service. Why did I sing? Now what 
shall I do? Shall I run from here, now, as long as it 
is not too late? What will they think, my father and 
mother if they don't find me here? No it won't do! 
Papa wouldn't know what to say in my absence if the 
police should call. I had better wait until he comes 
back. (Sits down. Door bell rings.) That's papa! 
How quickly he came back. (Goes out to open the 



82 THE NEW CONVERT 

door; from the hall her voice is heard!) " No, he isn't 
home." (Volkov's voice.) "How soon will he be 
back?" (Kate's voice.) "I don't know!" (Heavy 
footsteps are heard, and Volkov's voice.) " Then I'll 
leave him a note." 

Enter Volkov. 

Volkov, looks around. 
What? and the madame isn't home either? 

Kate, from the hall. 
No sir! 

Volkov 

Look here, my dear. What is your name ? Did you 
sing there on the veranda? (Silence.) She is gone? 
(Paces over the room.) The devil take it ! I'll bet any- 
thing it's her all right. Height, figure and the voice! 
Why, I got thunder-struck, surprised, when I heard 
that song in her voice. But she is dead, she was 
drowned. . . . Oh well . . . that's nothing. Those 
things happen. . . . Hm, well, taking in consideration 
the proclamation we found in her home once, and her 
acquaintance with Norov . . . this seems to be sus- 
picious, very suspicious indeed. It's too bad it was so 
dark in the hall. Coming in from the street, I couldn't 
see a thing. Well, that can be fixed. I'll call her near 
the window. If she doesn't come, then it's her. (Rings 
bell, rings again, louder, goes up to the open door 
leading into the hall.) Hey, where are you? (Claps 
his hands.) Say, girl ! (Kate's voice, " Well? ") Can 
you bring me a glass of water? (Kate's voice, " Yes 
sir. ") Now we'll see. . . . 



THE NEW CONVERT 83 

Goes up to the window, sits down on a chair and 
puts on eye glasses. Pause; Kate comes in with a glass 
of water. She is dressed in the same clothes as in the 
second act. She puts the glass on the little table near 
the door, 

Volkov 
Bring it here, right here! 

Kate 
Excuse me, sir. I am busy; I have no time. 

Volkov, jumps up. 

Here, wait, just a moment. She is gone ! What do 
you think about that ? ! (Stops, perplexed.) Is it she 
or not? her eyes and figure seem the same. . . . The 
voice and hair seem different. It's her! If it were 
elsewhere, there would be reason for doubt, but here in 
this house (rubs his hands). Well, Miss Katherine, 
I've got you this time ! Of course, I am not going to 
do you any harm. Revenge? Nonsense! A sensible 
fellow makes a little money out of such an opportunity. 
Now I'll have to go easy. Yes sir, just easy. It's no 
use making a noise about it. It's possible I'm mis- 
taken. At any rate I'll just watch the old man, his 
expressions and actions. This is a slick job. What 
shall the excuse for this visit be? Oh yes! The orph- 
anage. I'll start in with this and then we'll see. I'll 
have to pick out a good convenient place where I can 
keep my eye on the " birdie," so that she doesn't slip 
out right here at the window. (Sits down near win- 
dow.) It's a good thing I have the police whistle with 
me, and in case of necessity I can signal for police. 



84 THE NEW CONVERT 

The old man isn't home yet! I wish he'd hurry up. 
(Looks through the window.) There, there he 
comes now ! 

Enter Moorinov breathing fast and smiling enthus- 
iastically; he becomes alarmed upon seeing Volkov. 

Moorinov 

You here? (Changes his tone.) What can I do for 
you, sir? 

Volkov, watching Moorinov closely. 

Pardon me, sir, for troubling you. I understand 
that after what's happened here between us in the past, 
it seems quite strange to find me here. I came here 
for business and I will not keep you long. I am here, 
so to speak, on a business of a philanthropic character. 
It is in connection with your orphanage. Will you 
allow me to explain ? 

Moorinov, with a sigh of relief, and very friendly. 

Why, certainly. With pleasure. Won't you sit 
down? 

Volkov, sits down. 

You see, a friend of mine, a charitable lady of high 
standing wishes to make a donation towards the funds 
of your orphanage. Of course, she has not quite de- 
cided yet, but in the meantime she asked me to make 
inquiries as to how contributions are made. As a wo- 
man, you know, she is always afraid that she might 
be swindled out of her money. For the best informa- 
tion I decided to see you sir, and I hope you will have 
no objection and will excuse me if . . . 



THE NEW CONVERT 85 

MOORINOV 

Oh no ! not at all ! I appreciate it very much, I'm 
sure, but you've troubled yourself unnecessarily. Here 
is our circular (hands it to him) with all details. To- 
morrow morning, if you will call at the office, you will 
see the superintendent and he will give you all other 
information. 

Rises as a sign to end conversation. 

Volkov, pays no attention and makes himself more 
comfortable in his chair. 

Allow me to ask you, sir, if it is no secret, how long 
it is since your orphanage was established? 

Moorinov, displeased. 

Why should it be a secret? Here it is in this cir- 
cular. The orphanage was opened about six months 
after my daughter's death. 

Volkov 

Oh yes, yes. I remember now ! It was in the daily 
news. That is so, about six months after your daugh- 
ter's death, or her sudden disappearance. . . . Yes, 
yes . . . and isn't it strange, that though there may 
be no special reason for it, yet a person, one has known 
in the past, will suddenly rush through one's memory 
with the most detailed vividness. Is it not strange, 
Mr. Moorinov? Does it ever happen to you? 

Moorinov, unwillingly. 

Oh no, thank God! I am not suffering from such 
illusions. (Looking at Volkov for a few seconds.) I 



86 THE NEW CONVERT 

can't see why we should choose such a gloomy subject 
for our conversation. Would you like to have a cig- 
arette? One of these? 

Volkov, lights a cigarette, stretches out in the arm 
chair and puffs away. 

It's quite a little while, sir, since we so unexpectedly, 
and I might say, so tragically parted. 

Moorinov, uneasy. 

You seem to have had good luck all this time. You 
are looking well. 

Volkov, waves his hand. 

Oh, no, sir! You are joking ! Why, since my uncle 
lost his position my beautiful days have ended. I am 
ship -wrecked and I am sitting, so to say, on a rock. . . . 
At times I sit down to play cards with about one 
rouble in my pocket. What can I do ? Things seem to 
go aginst me. My uncle and I were always too honest, 
too straightforward and we have lots of enemies. But 
I am on the lookout for them . . . the time will come ! 
I'll get my revenge yet. (Smokes.) Have you heard 
about my change in position ? 

Moorinov 
No sir, I have not. 

Volkov 

Haven't you ? Strange ! I suppose you do not read 
the papers lately. You take no interest in the world. 



THE NEW CONVERT 87 

Of course, I understand, after such a great misfor- 
tune. . . . (Puffs away at his cigarette.) Yes sir, I 
changed my position. During the time of peace, it did 
not seem to me quite correct to be in the army and 
draw a salary without being really useful to my coun- 
try. So I joined the police department. At present 
we have no external enemies, but we have a very deadly 
enemy in our midst, and as an honorable citizen and 
a patriot of my country I have decided to join the 
ranks of those who protect the government. 

Moorinov, alarmed. 
So you are serving the police? 

Volkov 

Yes sir I have the honor! You do not seem to ap- 
prove of it, quite? 

Moorinov 
Oh no, not at all ! It is your business. 

Volkov, smoking. 

My work is getting to be interesting and even roman- 
tic. You meet with a number of sudden coincidences. 
I'll tell you, for instance, of one, — a very strange and 
amusing one. About two weeks ago the police dis- 
covered a revolutionary printing plant in a private 
house. . . . Does your head ache? 

Moorinov 
No sir! not at all. 



88 THE NEW CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

It seem'd to me you got pale. 

Moorinov 

Yes, I am tired today and these stories don't seem 
to interest me. 

Volkov 

No, you just listen. It is remarkable. Well sir, 
that house had for its occupants two young men and 
a young lady. . . . Mr. Moorinov, why don't you take 
a little water? Here. 

Fills the glass. 

Moorinov 

Never mind, don't bother yourself about me. 

Volkov 

Very well, sir, just as you say. Now, what was I 
going to say ? Oh yes ! So the police were a little too 
late and all three of them disappeared. 

Moorinov, yawning. 

Really, I don't know what you are talking about and 
I am not a bit interested. They do not concern me at 
all, those police affairs. 

Volkov 

Is that so? (Rising.) Well sir, we are here alone, 
so I might as well tell it to you plainly. That 
young lady is right here in your house. 



THE NEW CONVERT 89 



MOORINOV 

What? What young lady? What are you talking 
about? You are dreaming! 

Sits down and swallows a little water. 



Volkov 

Look here, Mr. Moorinov, your perturbation is giv- 
ing you away. You know whom I mean. Your daugh- 
ter, Kate, Katherine Pavlovna! 



Moorinov, laughs awkwardly. 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, well! and what else? 

Volkov, also laughing. 

Ha Ha! She is here ... as a servant . . . wears 
a nice little apron . . . she opened the door for 
me! . . . 



Moorinov 

How dare you make a laughing stock of me ! You 
are playing upon a very tender spot in my heart. My 
daughter? She is dead! She is gone forever! 



Volkov 

She was dead, — is that what you mean to say ? But 
she came back; she rose from the dead. Those things 
happen even in our prosaic life, although the law does 
not approve of this. 



90 THE NEW CONVERT 

Moorinov, jumps up and paces up and down. 

And still you insist on this? You are deranged! 
You must see a doctor quick. (Steps in front of him 
with tears in his voice.) Why don't you leave me 
alone?! What have I done to you? 

Volkov, very kindly. 

Oh no ! not at all ! Mr. Moorinov. You haven't done 
anything to me and I really do pity you. But you 
will admit that I cannot let such a splendid oppor- 
tunity go by. . . . That means my whole future. I 
have suffered enough and now I must not let a good 
chance slip by. Your daughter Katherine is married 
already, but I am not and I intend to get married 
soon, so of course, I need everything that will help me 
to rise in my position. To be sure, it is not very pleas- 
ant for a father to hear this, but — well she will be 
arrested one of these days, anyhow. If I don't do it, 
someone else will. Pause; (Volkov rises and speaks 
in an official tone.) In my capacity as an officer of 
the law, I must arrest a political criminal who is hid- 
den in your house! Your daughter Katherine Pav- 
lovna Moorinov. 

Starts in the direction to the kitchen. 
Moorinov 

Daughter? What daughter? Who told you it is my 
daughter? You have no right to arrest an innocent 
girl on groundless suspicion. 

Volkov 

If my suspicions were groundless until now, your 
manner has absolutely confirmed them! 



THE NEW CONVERT 91 

Moorinov, stands in Volkov's way. 
You can only pass over my dead body. 

Volkov 
And still you claim that is not your daughter? 

Moorinov, crushed. 

Yes it is, it is my daughter ! My daughter ! but you 
will have to kill me first before you can get near her! 
(Catches hold of Volkov and shouts.) Run Kate, run ! 
save yourself at once ! 

Volkov, frees himself and steps near the window. 

Pavel Michaelovitch, stop that! don't be silly. I 
need only to blow this whistle once (showing him the 
police whistle) and I will have police enough to arrest 
a dozen of you. 

Moorinov, falls back in the armchair and holds his 
head in his hands. 

You coward ! Judas ! Go on, finish your mean, dirty 
work. You came here in my house as a friend. I re- 
ceived you as one, but you have betrayed me. You will 
be rewarded for this cowardice and rascality. But 
remember, the curses of a father and the hatred of 
every honest man will follow you to your grave. Go 
on, now! What are you standing here for? 

Volkov 

Calm yourself, Mr. Moorinov. I have thought the 
matter over. I do not wish to ruin your life. I shall 



92 THE NEW CONVERT 

leave your daughter with you. (Moorinov's face 
changes. He slowly holds his hand out to Volkov, who 
stops him with a sign of his hand.) But for such an 
offer by which I risk my whole future — for such an 
offer I hope you will recompense me with a part of 
your capital. You don't expect any presents from me, 
do you? 

Moorinov 

Oh no! certainly not! I fully agree with you 
there. . . . How much do you think your loss is worth 
to you? 

Volkov, watching Moorinov closely. 
About fifty thousand. 

Moorinov, surprised. 

What ! Why, I haven't got such a sum and I cannot 
get it, either. 

Volkov 

Now, Mr. Moorinov, I wouldn't haggle if I were 
you. Don't you think your daughter is worth fifty 
thousand ? 

Moorinov 

I give you my word of honor that I haven't got 
even half of it. I am practically a poor man. You 
know I gave nearly all my fortune away. Otherwise 
I would willingly. . . . 

Kate enters quietly, without a bonnet and apron. 



THE NEW CONVERT 93 



Kate 



Papa, please quit that useless comedy. I came at 
your call and I also heard the beautiful offer of this 
gentleman. (To Volkov.) You need not ruin your- 
self at all. You may obtain your promotion. Now 
you can arrest me. I am ready. 



Volkov 

Miss Katherine, what do you take me for? I may 
have spoken harshly when you were not here. But 
your presence has put an entirely different complexion 
on this matter. When you stand before me so beauti- 
ful and so charming, there can be no thought even of 
such a thing as an arrest, even if I had to lose the 
greatest of careers. What is the most hopeful future 
in comparison with possessing you as a friend? I am 
happy to be able to serve you in any possible way and 
to press this dear hand of yours. (Holds his hand 
out to her. Kate steps back.) You refuse me? Just 
as brave as ever! It becomes you, Miss Katherine, I 
do declare! 



Moorinov 

Kate, leave us here. I have to talk with Mr. Volkov 
alone. I'll call you if I'll need you. . . . 



Kate 

Papa, you'll never free yourself from this snake. 
He has already wound himself around you ready to 
strangle you. Can't you see it? He will suck every 
coin, everything out of you and then he will betray you. 



94 THE NEW CONVERT 



VOLKOV 



You are not aware of your own wonderful power, 
Miss Katherine. If I should take you away from your 
father, I should lose the only chance of ever seeing you. 
I should lose, perhaps, the possible chance of ever 
changing your bad opinion of me, for I want you to 
become my friend. Do you think that during these 
two long years I could have possibly forgotten you? 

Moorinov, nervously. 

Kate, leave us, I tell you, right now ! I am no child. 
Please don't interfere in my affairs. 

Kate 
Very well, papa, I'll go if it is your wish, but . . . 

Moorinov, angrily. 
Go, and not a word ! 

Volkov, to Kate. 

I hope you will allow me, before leaving us, to offer 
you my best respect? 

Kate leaves the room without turning back. 



Moorinov 

You must excuse her conduct. The youngsters some- 
times do not understand certain things. Well, now, 
how about our deal? 






THE NEW CONVERT 95 

Volkov, after watching Kate leave the room. 

I cannot take anything less than fifty thousand. I 
could have asked for more than that. I could have 
asked for four times as much and you would have to 
give it to me even if you had to dig the ground for it. 
And besides, Miss Katherine could have been a little 
more lenient towards me. 



Moorinov, breathing heavily. 

But I haven't got it ! I haven't got so much money ! 
I am poor, I distributed the greatest part of my for- 
tune. I simply haven't got it, I tell you ! 



Volkov 

Well, I am ready to help you out and to make it 
more convenient for you. You pay me in cash, say 
thirty, — well, we'll say twenty-five thousand and for 
the balance I'll take a note, say for three months. I'll 
be able to cash the note. You have a big house and 
orchard. Your note is good, and you will be able to 
release the note after the three months or during that 
time. Well, what do you say? Is it all right? 



Moorinov 

All right. We'll let it go at that ! You are ruining 
me. You are taking away my last shirt, but we'll let 
it go at that. I'm satisfied. (Counts out the cash and 
then writes the note.) Here it is ; your money and the 
note. But you have to give me your oath, that you 
will never show your nasty face here again and that 
you will never get near my daughter again. 



96 THE NEW CONVERT 

VOLKOV 

Don't, Mr. Moorinov, don't excite yourself. It af- 
fects your health. Why should I discontinue such 
splendid acquaintance under such favorable circum- 
stances? And why should you excite yourself about 
it? Such a girl as Katherine Pavlovna is able to take 
care of herself. I'll only go in to see her just for 
a minute. 

Starts in the direction where Kate left. 

Moorinov 
Back, you rascal ! 

Volkov 
But I promised. . . . 

Moorinov 



Back! 



Volkov, shrugs his shoulders. 



Why back, when it's possible to go forward ? (Goes 
out. Moorinov quickly takes out a revolver from a 
drawer and runs after Volkov behind the scenes in 
the other room. Moorinov's voice is heard.) Here 
you have it, take this. 

A revolver shot is heard. 

Moorinov, returning. 
I killed him! 
Enter Kate hastily. 



THE NEW CONVERT 97 

Kate 

Father, father! . . . (Puts her arms around his 
neck; looks at him.) Oh, how pale you are! (Takes 
him by the arm.) Come father, come sit down 
right here. 

Moorinov, pointing at the temple. 

Here, it struck him right here. . . . Kate dear, I 
couldn't help it! . . . Dead! . . . (Hides his face in 
his hands.) Oh God ! I killed a man ! . . . 

Kate 

No, he was worse than a wild beast. Calm yourself, 
papa, don't excite yourself! 

Stands on her knees and kisses his right hand. 

Moorinov, hiding his hand. 
Don't, Kate, don't kiss this hand. 

Kate 

No papa, this is a noble hand; you need not hide it 
at all. 

Moorinov 

I couldn't help it. That was the only thing I could 
do. (Straightens himself and stands up.) Time is 
precious and I must not waste it. I will go over to 
the judge and make a full confession, I'll explain 
everything to them and let them arrest me. Try and 
calm mother. Tell her, she will understand it. You 
cannot remain here after I make my confession, — so 



98 THE NEW CONVERT 

you had better get away for a while. (Looks around.) 
You had better go to Gorlov, your uncle ; he loves you 
and he will do everything for you. May the Lord 
guide you, my dear child! (Embraces her.) Good- 
bye! (Makes a start towards the door and suddenly 
stops.) Oh yes, I almost forgot to report to you about 
my errand. I was there where you asked me to go. 

Kate 
Well? 

MOORINOV 

He came out of the house while I was on the street, 
looking at the parasol in the window. He recognized 
me. He came up to me and we had a talk. He gave 
me a letter for you. I have it with me. Here it is. 
(Takes it out from his inside pocket.) Here is the 
letter. . . . He told me not to forget and tell you that 
you must be sure and burn it as soon as you read it. 
,So don't forget it. Now that is all. Well, good-bye, 
good-bye ! 

Goes out. 

Kate is sitting alone on the sofa somewhat stunned, 
with the open letter in her hands on her lap. She 
looks straight ahead without moving. Suddenly her 
eyes fall on the letter. As if touched by an electric 
shock she gives one shriek, then with intense interest 
she reads the letter half aloud. 

Kate 

My darling, my dear ! I am writing you in a hurry. 
I was delighted to have seen your father. He is a 



THE NEW CONVERT 99 

grand old man. Now I am positive that you are per- 
fectly safe under his guidance. I think he would go 
on the cross for you if necessary! . . . "He is gone 
on the cross, he is gone already !" (She hides her face 
in her hands and falls on a pillow, sobs a little while, 
then she raises her head, wipes her tears off her eyes 
and braces up. Continues reading.) The hardest 
work is yet to be done. I shall have to get ready. 

Again she runs over the letter with her eyes, then she 
takes it over to the burning candle, burns it and de- 
stroys the ashes. Behind the scenes the voice of her 
mother, Mrs. Moorinova, is heard in a sudden shriek. 
Moorinova running in. 

Moorinova 

What is it? What is it? What does it mean? 
There is a dead body in a pool of blood there. It lies 
in the other room. . . . What does it mean? Kate? 
Pavel! where is he? Oh my God! (Shrieks.) Oh! 

Kate 

Mama, darling, please, for God's sake, calm your- 
self. Papa went away. He'll come back. 

Moorinova 

But whose body is that? How did he get there? 
Oh how dreadful! How dreadful! My hair just 
stands on end. Where did papa go ? 

Kate 
Papa went to the judge. 



100 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOVA 

Oh, I see. To report the suicide? 

Kate, almost whispering. 
This was not a suicide, mama. 

Moorinova, shivering. 

So it was ... It was ... a murder? That . . . 
was you that did it? Who? Not you? Did he kill 
that man ? ! Tell me, tell me all ! 

Kate 

Yes mama, he did it, papa! That was a spy and 
worse than that, he recognized me; he came into this 
house while papa was out . . . then papa came 
back . . . 



Moorinova, interrupting with a heavy sigh, then 
somewhat calmed. 

So your father killed him to save his daughter. 
(Pause, Kate is crying with her face in her hands. 
Mother stretches out her hands towards Kate.) Come, 
come to me, my poor child. (She presses Kate's head 
to her heart and continues as if speaking to herself.) 

If he killed him then I suppose he could not do 
otherwise. Then it was God's will. And now he went 
to the judge to confess before the law, to give his soul, 
his life for you. Don't cry, my child, you are not to 
blame, it is not your fault. This is God's will that we 
parents should give our lives for our children. You've 
done well to come back. Such seems to have been the 



THE NEW CONVERT 101 

will of God I'll bear it all. Don't cry, my child ; 

you see, I am feeling better. (She stands up, then 
suddenly places her hand to her heart.) Kate! Oh! 
(She falls.) Tell papa . . . 

Kate, catching her, then listens to her. 

She is not breathing. . . . She is dead! Mama! 
Mama ! Oh why did I return. . . . 

CURTAIN 



ACT FOUR 

Scene : Night. Lower floor in Gorlov's house. On 
the side in background an orchard, still further in the 
back the Neva is visible. 

Kate, alone, reading a newspaper. 

Again those terrible raids ! There were pistol shots 
on Obukov Street, and Dimitry used to go there quite 
frequently. I know he did. I wonder what happened 
to him? If I could only get a note with one line from 
him. Is it possible that he is so busy? Perhaps he 
does not realize how dreadful it is for me to sit here 
alone and worry about his safety. I suppose people 
must get hardened when they give themselves up to one 
idea. There is no time nor room for self indulgence. 
(Lowers her head and drops paper.) That is just how 
I was before I returned here. (Rises and walks up 
and down.) And what if he is arrested? Perhaps 
dead? Killed?! and here I am scolding him for not 
writing to me. No, No, I can't live like this! No! 
I shall, I'll go over to them. ... It is dark now. No- 
body would know me. (Takes hat and throws it back.) 
But how about father? Today was the last day of his 
trial and we will know his fate. No, I cannot, I 
must wait. 

She sits down, then rises, paces over the room, stops 
before the bureau, pulls out a drawer and is nervously 
looking for something. The door opens behind her 
very carefully and Gorlov's head is seen sticking 
through it. He looks around very carefully. Then 
he enters. 



THE NEW CONVERT 103 

Kate, noticing uncle through the mirror turns 
around and speaks joyfully. 

Uncle ! At last you are here ! 

Gorlov 

There is nothing suspicious here, is there? No dan- 
ger, I suppose? Are you safe here? In this shanty? 

Kate 

Oh yes, uncle, everything is all right here. No one 
sees us here ; we are perfectly safe. But please speak, 
uncle, speak. Are you coming from the court ? Well, 
what's the news? Is the case at an end? What's the 
verdict? Why don't you speak? 

Gorlov 

Not yet, we have no verdict yet, but let me come to. 
My heart beats so fast. Don't you know I could hardly 
get away from my wife? Your aunt would not lose 
me for a second; but I stole away just the same, and 
then you ought to see me run, just to bring you 
some news. 

Kate 

Oh please uncle speak, tell me everything. 

Gorlov 

Well, so far everything is splendid, just splendid. 
Everything is in our favor. Oh, you ought to hear 
papa's counsellor. He is a wonder! What a speech! 
What a plea! When he addressed the jury everyone 
in the court had their handkerchiefs at their eyes. Let 



104 THE NEW CONVERT 

me see, perhaps I can think of it. Oh yes. (Posing.) 
" Gentlemen of the jury," he says, — " this was not a 
murder, but a lawful, a legal self-defence," — said he. 
" You gentlemen are all fathers, and just think of your 
own daughter, your only daughter, suddenly finding 
herself unprotected, defenseless in the power of a man 
who as an official intends to commit a very dastardly 
deed. Whose hand gentlemen, would not have risen in 
her defense ? Would not everyone of you here present 
be ready to sacrifice your own life to defend and save 
your own child? You cannot declare a man guilty of 
a crime that you would have committed yourselves 
under similar circumstances." 

Kate 
Is that just what he said? That is splendid! 

Gorlov 

And as to the money that was found on Volkov with 
the note, that was a point in favor of your father. 

Kate 
How is that? 

Gorlov 

Why, don't you know? That means that father 
tried to pay him and avoid the use of weapons. The 
lawyer brought this out very plainly. When he was 
through, you ought to be there to see the demonstra- 
tions in court, the applause. The judge was going to 
clear the court. He certainly spoke well, that devil of 
a lawyer. If the trial could have ended with this 



THE NEW CONVERT 105 

speech, father would certainly be acquitted. (Think- 
ing.) Well ! I wonder what the judge will say? Now 
is just about the time when he gives the instructions 
to the jury. 

Kate 

Oh uncle, why didn't you stay to the end? You 
would have known the verdict, but as it is you really 
didn't tell me anything. 

Gorlov 
Well I did want to stay to the end. But how about 
aunt. I could not have got away from her, you know. 

Kate 

Yes uncle. I guess you are right, after all ; a little 
news is better than no news at all. 

Gorlov 

Don't worry about this, Kate. I fixed it before I 
left. My secretary will send me the latest news 
through a messenger. I told him where I would be. 
He is a very honest man. He is all right. 

Kate 

Thanks, uncle, thank you very much. It was very 
good of you to keep me here and to think of me. 

Gorlov 

There is no need of your praises Kate, I don't see 
what I have done more than any man ought to do ! My 



106 THE NEW CONVERT 

wife and children are in the country. This house was 
not occupied anyhow. Why not have you stay here 
and make you comfortable? 



Kate, smiling. 

If the police should get to know whom you have in 
:>ur house, they would not approve of it very well. 



Gorlov 

Oh bosh! who is afraid of them? They will never 
get to know. If only my wife should not get to know 
of what I have done. Oh dear me, what a noise she 
would make! Just think of the kind of people I am 
mixing with. (Gazes at Kate.) Say, what was it your 
people were trying to do the other day on the Obukovs 
Street, eh ? They were firing at the police, eh ? Why, 
how could they do that, and what's the use? Your 
people can't do a thing. You see, the one that fired 
the shot was taken injured to jail. See? It's too bad. 
He was quite a young man at that. The chief of police 
told me. 

Kate 

It was a young man? Who was it? Did the chief 
teUyou? 

GORLOV 

Well, the name is not known. He was a light-com- 
plected tall fellow with gray eyes, age about 
twenty-four. 

Kate, places both hands to her head. 
Oh my God ! That was he, my Dimitry. 



THE NEW CONVERT 107 

GORLOV 

What's the matter with you? There are lots of 
"blonds" with gray eyes. 

Kate 
Oh no uncle. That's Dimitry, that's Dimitry. 

Gorlov 

Well, it's too bad if it is he, but I'll have to see the 
chief and find out. I'll get all the details. I'm only 
afraid if my wife should . . . 

Looks around. A loud ringing of the bell in hall. 
Kate 



It's the police ! 



Gorlov 



My wife ! (A knock at the door. To Kate.) Hide 
yourself ! 

Kate hides, servant brings in a note on a small tray. 



Gorlov, with joy. 

Ah, this is from my secretary. (Reads.) " The case 
is taking a bad turn. The instructions to the jury by 
the judge are very unfavorable." (Discouraged.) 
Kate ! (Enter Kate.) Read ! 

Kate reads, turns pale. 



108 THE NEW CONVERT 



GORLOV 



Never mind, my dear, let us wait to the end, let us 
not lose our courage. 

Kate 

Uncle, darling, please come back later, again, when 
the trial is over and let me know. Will you please? 

Gorlov 

Why, Kate dear, I would with pleasure, but you know 
yourself, — my wife you know, I can't. I'd be too glad 
but — well you'll have to wait till the morning. I'll 
have to go now, my wife might, — well (Looks around.) 
Good-bye, Kate, don't worry. (Looks around.) Be 
brave! good-bye. 

Goes out. 

Kate, alone. 

I'll know it all tomorrow, about father and about 
Dimitry. Perhaps I may never know anything more 
about Dimitry. I shall think about Dimitry day and 
night. I shall think of him and mourn for him all my 
life. Oh, this is terrible! Why, why should there be 
so much suffering in our life in this world ? 

Kate sits with her hands clasped on her lap, ab- 
sorbed in thought. The cuckoo clock on the wall 
strikes twelve. During the striking a light tapping 
on the window from outside is heard. Kate jumps up. 

Kate 

I think I heard a rapping. 

She waits. Silence. The tapping is repeated. 



THE NEW CONVERT 109 

Kate 

My God! Is it possible? It's his tapping! (She 
goes up to the window, opens the shutters, puts her 
head through the window, whispers.) Who is there? 
(Dimitry's voice.) That's me. May I come in? 

Kate 
Yes! yes! 
Buns to the door and opens it. Enter Norov. 

Norov 

Yes, my darling, alive and very much so. How are 
you, sweetheart? 

Kate, hissing him. 

My own, my dearest ! You come back and oh, how 
happy I am! (Kissing him.) How good it feels to 
see you again! I was worrying about you so much. 
Here I am alone, without the slightest chance of get- 
ting any news of your whereabouts. I thought I'd 
go crazy! 



Norov, embracing and kissing her. 
My poor girlie ! I know how trying it is ! 

Kate 

But why didn't you come? Why didn't you let me 
know about you? I thought surely you were dead. . . 
There on the Obukov's Street. 



110 THE NEW CONVERT 

Norov, in a lowered voice. 
My turn has not come yet, but Vladimir is taken. 

Kate 

My God! Vladimir? This is dreadful. Why they 
will . . . execute him. 

Norov 
Well, we'll see about that. 

Kate 
Why? Is there any hope? 

Norov 
Yes, as long as one is alive there is always hope. 

Kate 
Oh, please speak more plainly. Tell me. 

Norov 

His trial will take place in Kiefif as soon as he gets 
better. They will take him there. We will rescue him 
on the way. I have a plan. I am going there tomor- 
row to arrange it all. 

Kate 
Tomorrow? So soon? 



THE NEW CONVERT 111 

Norov 

Every hour is precious, my dear. It is a hard job. 
I can't arrange it alone. I spoke to the comrades 
about this, they all approve of it. We need you, Kate, 
and I came to call you back to us. (Embracing her.) 
We will be together again, if it is only for a short 
while. Tell me, dearie, are you glad? 



Kate, thinking aimlessly. 

Yes, it would be a great joy and there Is so little of 
it in our life. There is so much suffering in the world. 
(Suddenly.) No it is impossible; I cannot go 
with you! 

Drops her hands. 



Norov 
Why can't you? What has happened? 

Kate 
How about father? He could not live without me. 

Norov 

What can you do for him now? Of what aid can 
you be to him? 

Kate 

They will send him to Siberia and I will go with 
him. I'll follow him. I decided so. I must I 



112 THE NEW CONVERT 

Norov 

Why, Kate dear, what are you talking about? Just 
think! They will not let you follow him! Besides, 
they will arrest you as soon as you will appear. . . . 

Kate 

They would never know. I will go there under an 
assumed name with a strange passport. No one would 
ever think to look for me in Siberia. There I am 
positively safe. Anyhow, why should I think of dan- 
ger? Why should it bother me? 

Norov, disappointed. 

So . . . this is it? Well, yes. . . . There is no 
need of fear for danger. We don't have to think of 
that, but (earnestly) Kate, this is silly, this is suicide 
— it is betraying the cause. 

Kate 

To remain with you, to leave the old man alone, 
broken-hearted, would be betraying something still 
higher. . . . 

Norov, thoughtful. 

Yes, I see it, you dare not leave him. He is a grand 
old man! ... I understand, but how about me . . . 
with Vladimir. I figured and hoped for your aid. . . . 

Kate 

You'll find someone else that will help you, but to 
him I'm the only one. No one can take my place 
with him. 



THE NEW CONVERT 113 

Norov, affectionately. 

And with me do you think any one can take 
your place? 



Kate 

Dimitry, my dear Dimitry, do you think it is so easy 
for me to leave you ? But dearest, the more I love you 
the more I am ashamed to leave my father. 



Norov 

Kate darling, do I want you to leave your father 
for my sake? I swear, if I had been sent to Siberia 
and if you had decided to leave him and follow me I 
would have said to you — No! You must stay with 
your father. 

Kate, looks at him sideways. Speaks affectionately 
and softly. 

And you . . . you are sure . . . you would have 
said so . . . ? 



Norov, after a moment's hesitation. 

Yes, I am sure! Here is my hand! I would have 
hated, despised myself if I had acted otherwise. But 
you and I and all our comrades, we all belong to the 
common cause. We should not, we must not, we have 
no right to sacrifice ourselves for one person, however 
dear he might be to us. It is unfaithfulness, it's be- 
traying the cause, Kate. 



r 



114 THE NEW CONVERT 



Kate, sadly. 



I know I know it, but it isn't that, I am positive it 
isn't that. You seem to have become hardened and you 
do not realize that our cause does not consist of just 
printing proclamations and bomb throwing. Our 
cause is much deeper and broader ; it is altruistic, it is 
noble, and to this cause will I devote myself also in 
Siberia. Just think of his sacrifice, how far he went 
— that grand old man — and you turn around and 
say : " Forsake him, let him alone to perish friendless, 
we need you for the great social cause." How can a 
great cause demand and tolerate such mean ungrate- 
fulness? This would be a stain upon our cause, a 
disgrace to me, to you, to all of us ! (Reproachfully.) 
And you don't see it ? Don't you feel it? (Covers her 
face with her hands.) How could I bear all this? 
How could I work here, knowing that he is dying 
there all alone? 



Sobbing. 



Norov 



Forgive me, Kate. You are right. I never thought 
of that. There are times when we must follow the 
dictates of our own heart, rather than the reasonings 
of our mind; and when it is a heart like yours, its 
counsels are only for the best. I will see the comrades, 
I will explain it to them, they will understand it and 
you shall rise in their esteem. (He sits down and 
lowers his head.) Will I ever see you again? (In 
the rear on the Neva is seen a row-boat and the music 
of a harmonica is heard playing " Luchinushka" which 
is a signal to Norov. He jumps up.) They are calling 
me. Good-bye, my dear noble sweetheart. 



THE NEW CONVERT 115 

Kate, throws her arms around his neck. 

Good-bye! Don't forget me, think of me, if only 
at times, think of your Kate. Tell me, will you think 
of me? 

Norov, with tears in his voice. 
I will! 
Stretches out his hands to her. 

Kate, stepping back from him and waving her hand 
to him. 

Now you had better go. It is time ; they are waiting. 

Norov, softly. 
Good-bye ! 

He stands a moment, then he quickly turns to 
the door. 







Kate, calls softly. 




Dimitry! 




Norov 




Well? 




Kate 




Wait. . . . 


I 


. . . I want to tell you something. 






Norov 




Speak, my 


dear, quickly, they are 


calling me. 


Harmonica 


is 


heard again. 





116 THE NEW CONVERT 

Kate, holds on to his coat, speaks with tears in 
her voice. 

Wait . . . now . . . tell our comrades not to think 
ill of me . . . tell them I haven't changed a bit . . . 
not at all . . . but it isn't that . . . tell them that 
from distant Siberia I will send them . . . no, it isn't 
that either. . . . (She takes his head in her hands and 
looks straight into his face.) Let me have a good look 
at you for the last time. . . . My dearest, how happy 
we could have been! My heart is just torn in halves 
between you and my father. . . . Tell me, dearest, is 
it possible that one should act properly and yet suffer 
so much? Tell me honestly as a brother to his sister, 
am I acting right? 

Norov 

Yes, Kate you are doing right. You said well — 
it's a case of honor for our cause. We have to look out 
not only for our party's gain but for its honor. You 
are doing right, Kate. 

Kate 

Thank you! thank you! . . . Now I feel much bet- 
ter. (They embrace.) Good-bye! 

Norov makes an attempt to go. 



Kate 

Wait, I'll take you through the garden, so that no 
one sees you from the street. 



THE NEW CONVERT 117 

They exit through a door on the left. Going behind 
the scenes they pass by the window and are seen in the 
garden. The stage remains empty for a moment. 
Then from the door on the right, enter Moorinov. He 
looks around and appears to be somewhat disturbed. 

Moorinov 

It's strange ! I've been in every room in this house, 
but I cannot find her. What does this mean? I won- 
der where she is? Did she go away? But where? 
Where could I look for her? (Goes to the door that 
leads to the garden and looks out.) Who can that be 
there at the gate? A man and a woman. They are 
embracing! . . . Cannot let go of each other. Sad 
to part. Oh my God ! Why, this is Norov and Kate ! 
(Joyfully.) It's her! Kate! Kate! but I must not 
cry out so loudly; someone might hear her name. 
(Softly.) Kate! Kate! 

Kate, runs in and throws her arms around his neek. 

Papa! Is that you? Are you back? Am I dream- 
ing? Is it a vision? 

Moorinov 

No, no, my dear, you are not dreaming. It's me, 
your father. I am free, Kate ! free ! the jury brought 
a unanimous verdict of " not guilty." 

Kate 

My dear papa! Oh what joy! How happy I am! 
It is almost unbelievable. Wait, let me have a good 
look at you. (Looks at him.) You are pale, thin and 
older, my dear poor papa! 



118 THE NEW CONVERT 

MOORINOV 

Never mind, I'll be looking better before long. In 
freedom I'll regain my health and will recuperate. 

Kate 

Tell me how did it all happen? I never expected 
that they would acquit you. 

Moorinov 

Nor did I, Kate ; but you see they declared me " not 
guilty." The jury felt that I was innocent. After 
all, righteousness gains the upper hand at times. 
(Mournfully.) Yes . . . people found me not guilty, 
but God punished me. That shot caused the death of 
my wife. Now you are an orphan without a mother, 
and I am a widower, alone, all alone in the world ! . . . 

Kate 

No papa, you are not alone, I shall never leave 
you again. 

Moorinov 

You will not? . . . And how about the young man 
with whom you stood there at the garden gate? How 
about Dimitry and your comrades? Are you going 
to leave them for my sake? 

Kate, lowers her head. 

Yes. . . . You have sacrificed almost everything for 
my sake; now you need me and I will stay with you. 
(liaises her head.) My dear good papa, I decided to 
follow you if they had sent you to Siberia ! 



THE NEW CONVERT 119 

Moorinov, rises and speaks very affectionately. 

My child, is that how dear your father is to you? 
Thank you, my child, thank you. (Places both hands 
on her head.) May God bless you, as I am blessing 
you now. (Sits down on the arm-chair.) Come to me, 
Kate, come sit near me, sit closer, close to your father. 
(Kate seats herself on the side of the arm-chair and 
places her hand on his shoulder.) That's it! . . . 
That's lovely! . . . (Pause, silence.) Kate I want to 
tell you that you need not stay away from Dimitry and 
the rest of your friends. You need not make such 
a sacrifice. 

Kate 

How is that, papa? Don't you want me to stay 
with you? 

Moorinov 

Oh yes I do, I do ! But you see, you wouldn't have 
to follow me, I'll follow you. 



Kate 
You follow me? Why, what do you mean, papa? 

Moorinov 

Let me explain it all to you, Kate. You see, at heart 
I am no longer the same as I used to be. . . . I've 
changed a great deal. ... I am a different man 
now ... I am one of you. . . . Don't think that I 
am saying this on the impulse of the moment, Oh no ! 
At the time you left us, Kate, I found a book in your 



120 THE NEW CONVERT 

room. I read and reread that book and I understood 
it all. Those ideas that are in that book got hold of 
me powerfully. I've thought the matter over and over 
again and I have decided to give the rest of my years 
to your cause, to our cause, to the cause that strives 
to abolish Czardom and establish freedom in our coun- 
try. (Stretches out his hand to her.) Kate, take my 
hand and lead me into the ranks of those who fight for 
the noble cause of freedom! Will you accept me as 
your comrade? Can I be of any help to you? 

Kate 

Papa, darling! Just think what it means? To go 
forever, never to return ! Do you know, do you realize 
what awaits you? (She rises and stands before Mm. 
He looks at her.) They will treat you a great deal 
more severely than us, because you were once theirs 
and you have become one of us. 

Moorinov 

I know it, I realize that, but what care I? I shall 
gladly bear it all, knowing that I am sharing my fate 
with you. I have lived a shameful life. I was one of 
the " Idlers " who are living as parasites and are not 
of any use to their country or humanity. Now, let me 
finish living the rest of my life honestly by being an 
aid to my country and an inspiration for the genera- 
tions to come. * 

Kate 

But just think, papa, you are going to us for my 
sake. I may perish, and you may never see me again. 
Wouldn't you regret it? Wouldn't you be sorry? 



THE NEW CONVERT 121 

MOORINOV 

No, I am going to you not only for your sake. You 
have made a resurrection within me, through your love 
and your kindness. At first I believed in you and now 
I believe in the same faith that you have given your 
whole life for. 

Kate 

Now give me your hand as a comrade, papa. We 
will pursue the same aim in life ; we will walk the same 
path. There is room and work for all of us, and many 
more. Oh, how happy Dimitry will be and the rest of 
the comrades ! Oh, how they will love you as soon as 
they will learn to know you, and you will love them, 
as your own children. They are not cruel murderers 
as they are pictured to be; they are kind and loving 
people, they will respect you and take care of you. 

Moorinov, rises. 

No, no, Kate, I do not want to be a pet; this is not 
the purpose for which I am joining your ranks. I 
want to be like the rest of them, fighting for freedom, 
and facing all the dangers that may come. Lead me, 
Kate. I will follow you, wherever you go, you have 
converted me. I am your new convert. 

Curtain falls slowly 

THE END 



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